Zahid: We need to replace outdated equipment

LANGKAWI: Many crucial government procurements are expected to be sealed at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition to beef up security, especially for the newly-established East Malaysia Safe Zone (Esszone).



Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said several memorandums of understanding and agreements were expected to be announced on Thursday at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre in Padang Mat Sirat.

"In view of current developments in Sabah, we need to beef up our assets as we have four battalions stationed there.

"We also need to replace some of our outdated equipment to strengthen our defence forces."

Esszone was set up following the f by armed gunmen, under orders from Jamalul Kiram III in Sulu, in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu, last month.

The gunmen attacked a team of police VAT69 commandos at the beginning of this month, killing two of the policemen. Another eight have since died.

More than 60 gunmen have also been killed and many others captured, including 36 by the Philippine navy after they escaped in two boats.

Zahid said police had guaranteed that Lima '13 would be safe and secure. He said this to allay any fears participants and visitors may have following the Lahad Datu intrusion.

Zahid said security forces had been beefed up for Lima '13 to ensure the safety of participants and visitors.

"This is especially so for an event on such a large scale like Lima, which is an international event with key persons attending it.

"We do not expect any spillover from Sabah. Our security forces are, however, alert and we hope there will be no sabotage or untoward incidents," he said, expressing his confidence in the security forces.

Read more at News Straits Times
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