Najib launches operations of Tun Sharifah Rodziah Sea Base

SEMPORNA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak today officially launched the operations of the Tun Sharifah Rodziah (TSR) Sea Base in the waters of Semporna, near here today.
It was his first visit since the TSR Sea Base started operations last July.
The helicopter ferrying Najib together with Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman touched down at the TSR landing pad at 12.10pm.

He later attended a briefing given by the TSR Sea Base Commanding Officer Commander Affendy Mohd Shuib on the operations of the Sea Base as well as Major Zakaria Amir Hussein, from the Royal Malaysian Air Force, on the operations' network system.
Najib later signed the plaque signifying the official launching of the base and took the salute of members of the Malaysian Armed Forces and the Marine Operations Force from their boats.
Also present were Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Abdul Rahim Mohamad Radzi, Armed Forces chief Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin and Petronas chairman Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan.
The establishment of TSR was the brainchild of Hishammuddin following the Tanduo intrusion in Lahad Datu three years ago.
It was to ensure the preparedness of security forces to be on high alert and to facilitate faster delivery of security assistance in the waters of the state as well as the ability to intercept criminals more swiftly.
The sea base, a static platform using a Mobile Oil Production Unit, has been in operation since July 31 last year.
The location of the sea base is aimed at detecting any threats and to block them before they could reach the country's shore.

The initiative had been very effective based on the geographical factor, as well as the trend and modus operandi of criminals and militant groups attempting to infiltrate into the country's waters.
Military assets such as interceptors, patrol boats, helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) were placed at the platform, a decommissioned oil rig modified for operation needs.
The platform which functioned as a base at sea for boats and helicopters, had enabled more extensive patrol coverage.
The waters of Sabah east coast which is 121,270 nautical sq miles is placed under Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZOne), encompassing 10 districts namely Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak,
Semporna and Tawau. — Bernama