BALAI RINGIN: A total of 300 Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) personnel have been deployed to three major flood-affected locations—Sarawak, Sabah, and Johor.

Chief of Defence Force (PAT) General Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar stated that the deployed personnel have been assigned to assist in disaster relief operations, while an additional 800 personnel are on standby for deployment if needed.

“A total of 300 personnel have been mobilized, while 800 more are on standby for deployment as required,” he said during a press conference after visiting the Balai Ringin Tactical Headquarters today.

He also announced that leave for personnel has been suspended to ensure smooth and effective flood relief operations.

“Leave is not an issue as it is not an entitlement. Those granted leave should consider it a bonus,” he added.

Border Security in Sarawak and Sabah

Regarding border security in Sarawak and Sabah, General Nizam confirmed that 59 border control posts remain active. He also stated that discussions on establishing new border posts will take place in May, involving the Ministry of Home Affairs, National Security Council, Ministry of Finance, the Sarawak State Government, and other relevant agencies.

“Our border post ratio compared to our neighboring country is 1:4, meaning for every one of our posts, they have four. Therefore, we must ensure a balanced number of posts,” he explained.

Additionally, he mentioned that five existing joint border posts would be reviewed, including the need for integration with nearby Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) complexes.