Wan Junaidi calls for strategic consideration of naval base in Bintulu

KUCHING (Sept 22): Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has called for the proposal to establish a naval base in Bintulu to be given strategic consideration by the federal government.

According to a statement from Astana Negeri Sarawak, Wan Junaidi made the call during a courtesy visit by newly appointed Chief of Defence Forces General Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman at the Astana Negeri here.

On maritime security, Wan Junaidi said Sarawak’s waters, particularly those off Bintulu Division, should continue to receive due attention.

“He urged strategic consideration for establishing a naval base in the area, emphasising that Bintulu stands as one of Sarawak’s major economic growth centres, with significant interests in the industrial, energy and trade sectors,” said the statement.

Wan Junaidi also called for stronger security and inter-agency coordination along Sarawak’s borders, particularly given the state’s extensive land border with Kalimantan, Indonesia.

He said the presence of more than 80 illegal routes, or ‘jalan tikus’, along the border could potentially be exploited for unlawful cross-border activities.

He stressed the need to strengthen monitoring, enforcement and coordination among security agencies to safeguard the state’s borders and sovereignty.

Wan Junaidi also expressed concern over forest fires in Indonesia that could affect Sarawak, including the risk of fires spreading into the state’s forest areas if not effectively controlled.

He said information sharing and preparedness among relevant agencies and countries were important to ensure coordinated preventive and disaster management measures.

Wan Junaidi said national security and stability were fundamental to economic development, prosperity and harmony in a multiracial and multireligious society.

He also called on the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) to strengthen its preparedness and defence capabilities while leveraging modern technology to address increasingly complex security challenges.

He said developing such expertise would help the country build its own defence assets and technologies, reducing dependence on foreign expertise and technology.

Astana Negeri Sarawak said the nearly hour-long meeting also provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on security, defence and matters of strategic importance to Sarawak.

Also present were Wan Junaidi’s wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, and Malek Razak’s wife, Puan Sri Datin Seri Siti Juana Md Ibrahim.

The courtesy call was also attended by First Division commander Major General Mohd Sobirin Mohd Yusof and his wife, Puan Noor Hamiza Suhami; Royal Malaysian Navy commander Muhammad Shahir Salleh; and Royal Malaysian Air Force Lt Col Nasaruddin Khalid.