Malaysia increases defense capabilities in Sabah, Sarawak and the South China Sea

fighter jetshawk. Illustration photo. (Source: cavok-aviation-photos.net)

Malaysia's Bernama news agency reported on August 30 that the country's Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said the armed forces are implementing nine measures to enhance maritime security, including deployments at Tun Azizan Naval Base and Tun Sharifah Rodziah Naval Base in Sabah state, East Malaysia.

Speaking to the press, Hishammuddin said that four P38 speedboats and five Silverbreeze speedboats are currently deployed to the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) and will be operated by the Royal Malaysian Navy to conduct patrols and interception at sea.

In addition, a helicopter is also deployed at KD Semporna to support the operations of the Naval Special Warfare (Paskal) to increase ESSCom's defense capabilities.

In enhancing air defence capabilities, Defence Minister Hishammuddin said five Hawk fighter jets have been deployed to Labuan Naval Base as a strategic measure to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as in Sabah, Sarawak and the South China Sea.

The ministry said it also plans to upgrade Labuan Naval Base, East Sabah, to support operations and allow the deployment of a squadron of Hawk fighter jets, while plans to upgrade Lahad Datu airport into a helicopter-related forward operating base are also underway./.

According to Bernama/VN+