Azhar (seated facing camera, third right) and his men during an engagement session with longhouse folk at Kampung Pakit A.
KUCHING: The army’s Jiwa Murni programme in Sarawak seeks to enhance ties with the public especially those living along the state’s border with Kalimantan, said Third Infantry Brigade commander Brig Gen Datuk Azhar Ahmad.
He said this will facilitate the flow of information between the people and the army in regard to illegal cross-border activities while also enabling soldiers to better secure the border.
“We want to improve relations with the public by showing our presence through Jiwa Murni.
“At the same time, it (programme) shows the commitment of the security forces and also gives confidence to the community,” he said in a statement Saturday.
The statement was issued in connection with the Armed Forces carrying out its first Jiwa Murni programme in Sarawak for this year, involving a gotong-royong at Kampung Pakit A in Sri Aman.
The event was also participated by the Fire and Rescue Department as well as Land and Survey Department.
During the programme, Azhar took time to meet up with the villagers and later presented hampers and basic food items to 43 needy households.