Mawilla 4 set to improve security in Sarawak waters: RMN chief

KUCHING: The establishment of the Royal Malaysian Navy's (RMN) Naval Region 4 (Mawilla 4) headquarters in Bintulu, will further improve security and protect the oil and gas industry in Sarawak, says RMN Chief, Admiral Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin.
He said the latest entity of the oil and gas industry, namely Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros), which was launched yesterday, signalled the need for RMN assets and a base in the state.
Ahmad Kamarulzaman also said the placement of assets in Mawilla 4 Bintulu would give advantages in terms of response time, particularly during patrols in the waters off Beting Patinggi Ali (South Luconia Shoals).
"The Defence Ministry wants to expedite the establishment of the Mawilla 4 … the RMN has stationed its officers and personnel by using the facility at the Bintulu Port. At the same time, we are in the midst of finding a more suitable place.
"Sarawak needs the RMN presence. The process for the RMN to send more vessels will be expedited with the presence of Mawilla 4," he told reporters after the pinning of Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) ceremony for 24 RMN veterans at the Old State Legislative Assembly building in Petra Jaya, here today.
Also present was RMN Eastern Fleet commander Vice-Admiral Datuk Syed Zahiruddin Putra Syed Osman.
Commenting further, Ahmad Kamarulzaman said he would meet with the state leadership to ensure that the process of acquiring a more suitable location would be implemented the at the soonest possible oppurtunity.
"I will call on Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg after this event. I will bring up the matter at the meeting," he added. — Bernama