Latest news with #SabahGOFBrigade
The Star
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Stronger line of defence in Sabah, S'wak
Ever ready: Saifuddin Nasution (centre, front row) posing for a group photo at the launch of the three battalions at the Sabah GOF Brigade in Papar. KOTA KINABALU: Three new General Operations Force (GOF) battalions in Sabah and Sarawak will play a significant role in strengthening the country's internal security, says the Home Minister. Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the launch of its operations reaffirmed the police's unwavering commitment to their core duty of safeguarding national security and public order. Speaking at the launch of the three battalions at the Sabah GOF Brigade in Papar yesterday, he said the key aspects are the readiness of the police force to respond to security threats, the government's continued investment in personnel welfare and operational facilities, and Malaysia's improved ranking in the Global Peace Index. 'This confirms the state of preparedness of our police force for any scenario. We must always be alert, especially in light of past incidents such as the 2013 Lahad Datu incursion,' Saifuddin Nasution said, referring to the security crisis in eastern Sabah over a decade ago. Two of the three battalions are in Sabah. The 21st, 22nd and 23rd GOF battalions are based in Sabah's interior Keningau and its east coast district Kunak, and in Sarawak's Sri Aman, respectively. This brings the total number of GOF battalions nationwide to 23, with a combined strength of around 12,000 personnel. Saifuddin Nasution said the new battalions will enhance the GOF's elite operational capacity across land, sea and air. 'These troops are highly trained. Their recent successes, including multi-billion ringgit seizures under operations like Op Hazard and E-Waste, speak volumes,' he said. The minister also spoke of the government's commitment to ensuring a conducive working environment through budget allocations for improved welfare, office infrastructure and accommodation. 'A well-trained team with poor living conditions and inadequate assets will still be limited. 'So, we are also investing in new equipment and facilities, most of which will be rolled out this year,' he said. On Malaysia's security performance, Saifuddin Nasution said the country's standing in the Global Peace Index is currently in 10th place among more than 160 countries. 'This is no coincidence. It is the result of strategic planning and uncompromising security policies. 'It is also crucial for investor confidence. Safety remains a key metric for any country hoping to attract foreign investments.' Saifuddin Nasution also said the government has approved the development of eight GOF posts, seven in Sarawak and one in Sabah, along the Malaysia-Kalimantan border with an allocation of RM32mil. He said the construction of administrative complexes and staff quarters at Battalion 20 GOF in Beluran, Sabah, and Battalion 10 GOF in Sarikei, Sarawak, is underway. These projects, valued at RM400mil and RM200mil respectively, are expected to be completed within the year. He also announced that the GOF will replace its current operational uniforms with new camouflage attire featuring improved design, colour and pattern.
Daily Express
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Three new Sabah GOF battalions formed
Published on: Monday, May 19, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 19, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Saifuddin Nasution was speaking at a press conference after officiating the launch of the three new battalions at the Sabah GOF Brigade, which was also attended by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain and Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun. PAPAR: Three new battalions under the General Operations Force (GOF), namely Battalion 21 in Keningau and Battalion 22 in Kunak, Sabah, along with Battalion 23 in Sri Aman, Sarawak, were officially launched today by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He said with the addition of these battalions, the GOF now comprises 23 battalions across the country - seven in Sabah, four in Sarawak and the remaining in Peninsular Malaysia. Advertisement 'The GOF now has a total strength of 12,000 personnel, with each battalion comprising around 600 officers and personnel. This launch is a clear testament to the government and Royal Malaysia Police's (PDRM) continued commitment to fulfilling their core duty of safeguarding national peace, security and public order. 'It also reflects the preparedness of the force in facing any potential scenarios, challenges or threats. Sabah has experienced dark moments in the past (Tanduo incident), and such events necessitate a highly prepared security force, particularly the GOF,' he said. Saifuddin Nasution was speaking at a press conference after officiating the launch of the three new battalions at the Sabah GOF Brigade, which was also attended by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain and Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun. He also highlighted the government's dedication to supporting the GOF in terms of welfare, including the provision of conducive office facilities and living quarters to ensure the comfort of personnel. Advertisement 'The government has allocated funds for the procurement and enhancement of new assets to support the force's capability. These assets are vital, as we possess expertise and capabilities that need to be reinforced with the right and suitable resources,' he said. In his speech, Saifuddin Nasution said that several projects had received government approval, including the development of new GOF posts along the Malaysia–Kalimantan border, with an allocation of RM32 million, covering seven locations in Sarawak and one in Sabah. In addition, administrative complexes and housing quarters for Battalion 20 in Beluran, Sabah (RM400 million) and Battalion 10 in Sarikei, Sarawak (RM200 million) are expected to be completed this year. 'The GOF will also replace its current operational uniforms with newly designed camouflage uniforms, improved in design, colour and pattern to enhance the force's image while ensuring comfort, suitability, functionality and strong identity,' he said. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
18-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
New GOF battalions bolster Sabah and Sarawak security
KOTA KINABALU: The establishment of three new General Operations Force (GOF) battalions, two in Sabah and one in Sarawak, marks a significant milestone in strengthening Malaysia's internal security preparedness, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. Dubbed the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd GOF battalions, they are based in Sabah's interior Keningau, its east coast district Kunak, and Sarawak's Sri Aman, bringing the total number of GOF battalions nationwide to 23, with a combined strength of around 12,000 personnel. "The significance of today's launch lies in reaffirming the Royal Malaysia Police's unwavering commitment to its core duty, safeguarding national security and public order," said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. Speaking at the launching of the three battalions at the Sabah GOF Brigade in Papar on Sunday (May 18), he stressed three key aspects of the launch: the readiness of the police force to respond to any security threats, the government's continued investment in personnel welfare and operational facilities, and Malaysia's improved ranking in the Global Peace Index. "First, this confirms our force's state of preparedness for any scenario. We must always be alert, especially in light of past incidents such as the 2013 Lahad Datu incursion," he said, referring to the security crisis in eastern Sabah over a decade ago. Home Minister Datuk Seri SaifuddinNasution Ismail at the launching of 21st General Operations Force (GOF) Battalion Keningau, the 22nd Battalion Kunak, and 23rd Battalion Sri Aman at the Sabah GOF Brigade in Papar on Sunday (May 18). Saifuddin noted that the new battalions enhance the GOF's elite operational capacity across land, sea, and air domains. "These troops are highly trained. Their recent successes, including multi-billion ringgit seizures under operations like Op Hazard and E-Waste, speak volumes," he said. Secondly, the Home Minister stressed the government's commitment to ensuring a conducive working environment through budget allocations for improved welfare, office infrastructure, and accommodation. "A well-trained team with poor living conditions and inadequate assets will still be limited. So, we are also investing in new equipment and facilities, most of which will be rolled out this year," he said. On Malaysia's security performance, Saifuddin noted that the country's standing in the Global Peace Index, currently ranked 10th among more than 160 countries. "This is no coincidence. It is the result of strategic planning and uncompromising security policies. It's also crucial for investor confidence. Safety remains a key metric for any country hoping to attract foreign investment," he said. Of the 23 battalions, seven are located in Sabah, four in Sarawak, with the remainder in Peninsular Malaysia. Saifuddin explained that the placement of battalions was based on strategic assessments by police leadership. Home Minister Datuk Seri SaifuddinNasution Ismail (centre) posed for a group photo at the launching of 21st General Operations Force (GOF) Battalion Keningau, the 22nd Battalion Kunak, and 23rd Battalion Sri Aman at the Sabah GOF Brigade in Papar on Sunday (May 18). "It is not about why Keningau was chosen over Alor Setar or anywhere else. It is about the GOF's national responsibility. The Global Peace Index measures Malaysia as a whole, not Keningau or Kudat in isolation," he explained. He also stressed the need for the GOF to embrace technological advancement to meet evolving security challenges. "Security threats today are more complex. Our personnel must be equipped with knowledge in areas such as artificial intelligence. At the Home Ministry, our tagline is 'AI for KDN, KDN for AI'. Capability building cannot remain static," he said. Earlier in his speech, Saifuddin said the government has approved the development of eight General Operations Force (GOF) posts, seven in Sarawak and one in Sabah, along the Malaysia-Kalimantan border, with an allocation of RM32mil. He added that the construction of administrative complexes and staff quarters at Battalion 20 GOF in Beluran, Sabah, and Battalion 10 GOF in Sarikei, Sarawak, is underway. These projects, valued at RM400mil and RM200mil respectively, are expected to be completed within the year. Saifuddin also announced that the GOF will replace its current operational uniforms with new camouflage attire that offers improved design, colour, and pattern. The upgrade aims to enhance the force's image and identity while ensuring greater comfort, suitability, and functionality for its paramilitary personnel. He said that a total of RM88.5mil was approved in 2023 and 2024 for maintenance works and equipment procurement at GOF posts nationwide. This includes the provision of improved facilities and infrastructure to support the efficiency and welfare of frontline personnel. Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, RM103mil was allocated to the GOF for infrastructure upgrades, post improvements, and asset procurement, including the enhancement of temporary deployments for the newly launched 21st, 22nd, and 23rd Battalions.
