KUCHING: The state government will construct several Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) headquarters in strategic parts of Sarawak following the establishment of the UKPS headquarters in Miri.
The headquarters will be set up in Sejingkat, Tanjung Manis, Bintulu and Lawas.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said these headquarters will be managed by the Sarawak Public Works Department (PWD) under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
“The purpose of these headquarters is to ensure that personnel and assets are strategically located, and enable them to deliver optimal services to the people,” he said when officiating at the official launching ceremony for the UKPS Miri headquarters today.
The ceremony also saw the delivery of an additional three Island-class fast patrol vessels for the UKPS Miri Headquarters.
The first batch of three vessels were delivered on Nov 18 last year in Kuching.
Abang Johari the Sarawak government has allocated RM90 million for the procurement of the Island-class patrol vessel, as previously presented in the 2020 Budget on Nov 4, 2019.
“Today, we are able to witness 25-metre island-class fast patrol vessels equipped with water jet technology. Additionally, I was also made to understand that a Fish-class interceptor boat has also been stationed at Tanjung Manis, Miri and Lawas respectively in April this year.
“The acquisition of these island-class fast patrol vessels aligns with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, aimed at improving coastal security control and preserving the environment towards achieving Sarawak’s goal of being developed by 2030,” he said.
He assured that the state government has always prioritised the welfare and safety of the state’s fishermen.
“The acquisition of these vessels reflects the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government’s concern for the interests of its people.
“These assets will not only be utilised for enforcing of the State Ordinances but will also contribute to search and rescue operations, security control during official water events, and provide assistance to other security agencies as needed,” he said.
Meanwhile, UKPS director Datuk Dr Chai Khin Chung said that in collaboration with the Sarawak PWD, the Sarawak Coastguard commissioned six island-class fast patrol vessels namely SC SARI 2501, SC SATANG 2502, SC BURUNG 2503, SC SAMPADI 2504, SC TUKONG ARA 2505 and SC TALANG-TALANG 2506.
“These assets were acquired through an open tender and built by a company in Kuala Baram,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak Coastguard, which is under the UKPS, was announced by the Premier in Oya, Mukah on October 1, 2019. The official launch of the Sarawak Coastguard took place on April 7, 2021, at Kuching Waterfront.
The Sarawak Coastguard was established in view of the state’s extensive coastline of 760km and to protect the state’s maritime natural resources and safety of fishermen.
