Two new GOF battalions deployed in Sabah
KOTA KINABALU (Nov 30): The police have deployed two new General Operations Force (GOF) battalions in Sabah. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razaruddin Husain said that Battalion 21 was deployed in Keningau, while Battalion 22 was deployed in Kunak.
However, he said are no deployments to Kunak for the time being, and the battalions involved have been deployed to Semporna. “I visited several islands in Semporna to review the assignment and condition of facilities at security force posts, especially the GOF post.
“The first visit was to the Semporna District Police Headquarters (IPD) to see the deployment of personnel in Battalion 22, which currently has around 400 personnel,” he said.
He said that the results of the visit found that there were still shortages, and there would be additions in the future.
“The addition of these two battalions is by deployment and redeployment, meaning there is no financial issues involved by downsizing the existing battalion in Malaysia, and we are distributing it to these two battalions,” he said.
He said the visit overall focused on the strategic role of the Marine Police Force (PPM) and GOF in controlling security in the border areas in Sabah’s East Coast, which are often considered high-risk zones.
“The visit was also to see the welfare of PDRM officers and members in addition to assessing the effectiveness of security measures implemented by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), especially in dealing with issues of invasion, smuggling and cross-border crime threats that can affect national sovereignty.
“I also ordered PDRM officers and members who are tasked with maintaining national security and sovereignty on the East Coast of Sabah to take care of their work, take care of the country, take care of their families and also their religion.
“This is very important for them to avoid things that violate team discipline or from being involved in bad activities,” he said.
During the same programme, Razarudin and the delegation continued their visit to the Mataking island GOF post, Battalion 14 in Tawau.
His presence at the joint post between PDRM and ATM was welcomed by the Company Tactical Headquarters Commanding Officer, Assistant Superintendent Ibrahim Mastar, along with 48 officers and police and military personnel assigned to the island.
-Agency
