Air patrol between M'sia, Indonesia, Philippines to be launched at Subang

KOTA KINABALU: The Trilateral Air Patrol (TAP) between Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines will be launched at the Subang Air Base in the near future as part of initiatives to enhance air and maritime security surveillance in the region.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the TAP would also keep an eye on militants, including Daesh from making the Sulu Sea as an illegal route to intrude into Malaysia.
"We cannot face the Daesh militant threat alone. Hence, we have been cooperating with neighbouring countries and through discussions with our counterparts in Indonesia and the Philippines, we may further expand this cooperation.
"Perhaps we will expand cooperation with Brunei and Singapore and we will also be working with other Asean countries to discuss the best strategies and approaches to combat the Daesh militants," he said.
He was speaking to reporters after the parade ceremony held in honour of the 'Daulat Feb 2013' Battle at Padang Merdeka here last night.
Also present were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Johari Baharom, Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) Chief General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor, Malaysian Army Chief General Datuk Seri Zulkiple Kassim, Royal Malaysian Navy Chief Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar and Royal Malaysian Air Force Chief General Datuk Seri Affendi Buang.
Prior to this, Malaysia implemented the Trilateral Maritime Patrol (TMP) with Indonesia and the Philippines, which was launched on board the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) navy vessel Suharso-990, at Tarakan Port on June 19 , which was also attended by Hishammuddin and his counterparts, Ryamizard Ryacudu from Indonesia and Delvin N Lorenzana from the Philippines.
Elaborating further, Hishammuddin, who is also Special Functions Minister, said the TAP launch at the Subang Air Base would mark a historic milestone for the country as the flag of all three countries would be flown in Malaysia in efforts to counter the threat of militants.
He said various initiatives would also be implemented In Sabah to strengthen security, including deploying the 13th Brigade headquarters in Kolej Integrasi Ilmu, Felda Sahabat, which would be upgraded to a brigade headquarters and the proposed setting up of an infantry battalion in Desa Kencana, Felda Sabahat.
"We will also upgrade two border posts in Sabah at Saliliran and Serudong as joint posts with TNI with three new ones at Kampung Tibau, Timbulan and Kampung Luis.
"The military will also receive six Light Attack Helicopter (LAH) MD530-G aircraft, with two to be acquired this month and the rest in Nov 2018, to be based in Sandakan," he added. — Bernama