INTENSIFIED CHECKS FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS – NAVY

Intensified checks for illegal immigrants – Navy

SEPANGGAR May 3, 2012: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) is intensifying its operation around the east coast of Sabah as the area has been identified as the main entrance for illegal immigrants into the country.

Sabah Navy Regional Two commander Rear Admiral Mohd Rosland Omar said among the hot spot areas identified were Sandakan, Tawau and Semporna.

“We will continue to intensify our operations to ensure the security level of Sabah waters is achieved,” he said, adding that there are about 2,800 navy officers and personnel in Sabah with 2,000 based at the Sepanggar Naval Base.

Earlier, Rosland said the RMN would allow the public see one of Malaysia’s proudest assets, the Navy’s Scorpene submarine – KD Tun Razak during the Armada Open Day 2012 at the Sepanggar Naval Base this Saturday.

He said the KD Tun Razak is also the second Scorpene submarine which is based at the Sepanggar Naval Base.

“We are giving an opportunity to the public to see one of Malaysia’s proudest assets, our very own Scorpene submarine.

“The public can come and take photos of the submarine but they are not allowed to enter the submarine due to high security,” he said, adding that this is the first time the submarine is open to the public for viewing.

Another expected attraction during the Armada open day is the floating restaurant where the public could dine or feast on a generation patrol vessel (NGPV)

“We have two vessels, KD Perak and KD Kedah where the public could enjoy delicious dishes served by the vessels’ own crewmen,” he said.

Rosland said the main objective of the yearly program is to get closer to the public and to introduce the tasks and responsibility of the navy people, especially on their assets such as its warships and submarine, to the public.

The program is open to the public on May 5 from 8am to 10.30pm.