Defence Minister visits RMAF Kuching airbase

KUCHING (Aug 9): Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin conducted a working visit to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Kuching Air Base today to assess its operational readiness in safeguarding the nation’s airspace sovereignty, particularly in Sarawak.

A press statement by the ministry said Mohamed Khaled was given a briefing on the airbase’s operations before proceeding to the No. 1 Squadron hangar to closely examine the readiness of the RMAF aircraft and the CN235 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA).

Later, he was brought to the CN235 simulator centre to observe the system capabilities and advanced technology employed by the air force in providing initial flight training, particularly to its pilots operating the CN235 MSA.

Mohamed Khaled also presented welfare contributions to 20 RMAF Kuching personnel suffering from chronic illnesses and disabilities as well as nine students with disabilities.

On Thursday, he visited the Eastern Field Command of the Malaysian Army, including the Area of Responsibility under operation ‘Awas or Keris Parang’ in Serikin.

It is a joint operation between the Malaysian Army and the Indonesian National Armed Forces on strategic defence collaborations to secure the border between Sarawak and West Kalimantan.