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9th August, 2012
TAWAU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is planning to station its aircraft in Sabah to improve its capability to ensure safety and security of the Malaysian maritime zone from any form of threats.
MMEA deputy director-general (Operation), Datuk Ahmad Puzi Ab Kahar, said the plan would become a reality once the agency had its own air force base in Sabah soon.
“Yes, we do have a plan to station our aircraft in Sabah. We are also planning to build a base in Kota Kinabalu and an air force base in Sandakan. We will implement it as soon as we get land allocation from the Sabah government,” he told reporters after visiting Tawau Maritime District 18 here yesterday.
Ahmad Puzi arrived here from Kota Kinabalu on MMEA’s CL415 Bombardier aircraft which landed on water in Cowie Bay after conducting an aerial surveillance on coastal waters and maritime borders in Sabah.
He said with the existence of an air force base in Sabah, MMEA’s monitoring and air surveillance duties in the State could be implemented in a more frequent and effective manner.
“If this plan becomes a reality, the waters in Sabah will be safer and secured and the State’s economy, especially maritime-related industry will be boosted,” he said.
Ahmad Puzi also said the MMEA was also planning to set up its posts along Sabah coastal areas such as in Kudat and Lahad Datu.
Such a post has been established in Semporna, he said, adding that Sabah MMEA had been allocated with the largest amount of assets with 24 vessels, excluding 23 boats and speedboats.
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