Army post at Merapok   

KUCHING: The only army post at the border of Sarawak and Sabah will be constructed in Merapok, Lawas to curb the entry of illegal immigrants (Pati) from Sabah.

“We are currently working on getting the allocation to construct this post after the suggestion from Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“The construction of this post is needed as there are plenty of illegal immigrants who entered Lawas through the rat trail there from Sabah,” said the Armed Forces First Division Commander Major General Datuk Dzulkafli Mustaffa.

He added he had contacted Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan to seek assistance on the post site.

“My team will personally inspect the site for the new post and as soon as we receive the allocation, we will immediately start its construction,” he said.

Dzulkafli told a press conference this after officiating at the Sumbangan Kasih drive-through donation at Masjid Solahuddin al Ayyubi in Penrissen Camp yesterday (Oct 5).

He added that the construction of the army post at Merapok would add to the 10 border posts being built in the state.

He disclosed four control posts still under construction were Padang Pan Post in the Kuching division; Sungai Paoh Post in the Serian division; Batu Kaya Post in the Sri Aman division; and Tapak Megah Post in the Kapit division.

“All the posts are 20 percent completed now except for Tapak Megah Post which is built using wood.”

 Dzulkafli also revealed that the Covid-19 vaccination programme implemented by the Division 1 Combat Medic Vaccination Team was still ongoing.

“Thus far, there is no indication from the Sarawak government for the team to be deployed to rural areas for vaccination,” he added.