Kuala Lumpur: The government is considering replacing the Tun Sharifah Rodziah static offshore forward operating base, managed by the Royal Malaysian Navy, with a new, more dynamic operational model. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the proposed concept involves a mobile forward operating base, which would sustain security operational capabilities in Sabah, particularly along the east coast.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the government is committed to maintaining the strategic advantage of a forward operating base. Plans are underway to deliberate on and determine the most suitable replacement model for the naval base. Mohamed Khaled assured the public that Sabah’s security and sovereignty remain a top priority, acknowledging the vital role this base plays in safeguarding the region.
Mohamed Khaled emphasized that the base has been instrumental in maintaining security along Sabah’s east coast, contributing to the current low levels of abductions and intrusions. He noted the ongoing challenges and threats in eastern Sabah, which include conventional threats and those posed by non-state actors such as terrorist groups. Cross-border crimes, such as abductions, illegal fishing, and human trafficking, remain persistent concerns.
The Defence Ministry and the government continue to prioritize Sabah’s security, with plans to further enhance coastal surveillance through the expansion of the coastal radar network. The federal government has invested over RM500 million in the construction of military camps in Sabah, specifically Kem Felda Sahabat in Lahad Datu and Kem Paradise in Kota Belud. Efforts are being made to improve progress at Kem Felda Sahabat with the current contractor.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Khaled has called for the termination of the contractor responsible for the military staff housing project at the Joint Task Force 2 (ATB2) headquarters in Kem Kukusan. The project, approved in 2021 with an allocation of approximately RM77 million, was scheduled for completion this year but has been classified as a failed project. Steps will be taken to appoint a new contractor to resume the work.
ATB2 personnel are currently forced to rent accommodation outside the base, a situation Mohamed Khaled described as unacceptable. He stressed that personnel welfare is a key element in maintaining operational readiness, and the delays in the housing project are being treated with urgency to ensure completion. The Public Works Department or the Ministry will oversee the project moving forward.