KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Hasanuddin Mohd Yunus (Hulu Langat-PH) said fighter jets soaring through Sabah’s airspace will scare off pirates, terrorists, and kidnappers operating in the waters nearby.
During Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, Hasanuddin pointed out that the airbase in Tawau, Sabah is not capable of supporting security operations in the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom).
“My question is if the government has plans to open a new airbase, given the facilities in Tawau are insufficient.
“We have had ESSCom for eight years, and tourists are longing to holiday in the area. Fighter jets in the air would surely scare off pirates, terrorists, and kidnappers operating in the area,” Hasanuddin said.
However, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein clarified that a new airbase does not guarantee Sabah’s security.
The Sembrong MP explained that guaranteeing Sabah’s security requires specific assets and the proper placement of troops.
Meanwhile, given the recent crash of the air force’s Hawk 108 aircraft, which killed one officer and injured another, Hishamuddin said the ministry has plans to acquire new assets.
“As outlined in the air force’s capability development plan, the government has started the process of replacing our Hawk aircraft by approving the acquisition of fighter lead-in trainers or light combat aircraft.
“The acquisition was done through an open international tender which was closed on October 6.
The applications are currently being assessed,” Hishamuddin said.
In light of the crash, the defence minister was also asked whether airbases located near high-density areas can pose a danger to the public.
Hishammuddin replied that all airbases in Malaysia follow strict international guidelines and are regulated and audited, internally and externally, by the relevant agencies. – The Vibes, November 25, 2021
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