Following Indonesia’s plan to move its capital to Kalimantan by 2024, the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) are looking to boost the number of security checkpoints along the nation’s borders in Sabah and Sarawak.
MAF has to expand the number of border posts and regiments, according to Chief of Defence Force General Affendi Buang, as the move is anticipated to start in the first quarter of next year.
“It is already in our plans, and this will be done in stages because the relocation will increase the number of residents and economic sectors in the area,” he said in a special interview in conjunction with the 89th Armed Forces Day celebration at Wisma Perwira here.
According to Affendi, population growth would probably lead to an increase in incidents of cross-border crime, such as smuggling.
He went on to say that MAF and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) will work together to manage borders, and that TNI would also be involved in the decision to construct more security stations.
“When MAF builds a border post on the Malaysian side, TNI will also build one on their side. Insya-Allah, the number will increase significantly in the future,” he said.
Affendi also said that MAF would beef up surveillance of the country’s borders either via manpower, sensors, or the current conventional practice of using drones and control centres monitoring from a distance.
