KUALA LUMPUR: The new Naval Region 2 headquarters (Mawilla 2) in Sandakan will increase the confidence among the maritime community, especially fishermen operating along the east coast of the Sabah, on their security.
Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin said the establishment of Mawilla 2 was a commitment of the Defence Ministry and Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) to boost security off the eastern coast of Sabah.
“We cannot remain complacent but must always be proactive in protecting the maritime community in the area,” he said after a pinning of ranks ceremony at KD Sri Gombak, here, on Thursday.
He said the headquarters could also contribute to social and economic development in the area, adding that the construction of the base covered several aspects, including infrastructure development and increase in RMN manpower and assets.
Mawilla 2, which was previously based in Kota Kinabalu, was moved to the Sandakan RMN Base and started operating on August 30.
Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman officiated at the inauguration ceremony of Mawilla 2 yesterday.
A total of 59 navy officers and staff, including 13 athletes who won gold medals at the
2017 SEA Games recently, received their promotions during the ceremony.
The event also saw commander Rohana Jupri promoted as captain, the first female officer to hold a senior position.