A military camp is to be built at Felda Sahabat in the east coast Lahad Datu district not far away from the site of the Sulu gunmen intrusion last February.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said this was among the various measures needed to boost Sabah's security that included improving intelligence-gathering networks as well providing sufficient security personnel and deploying the latest technology.

The security boost was among the three priority areas for Sabah, the Prime Minister said at the breaking of fast with state Barisan Nasional component party leaders and members here Saturday.
He said the other thrusts for the state was accelerating development programes especially in rural areas apart from safeguarding the people's welfare and interests.

''In terms of development we realise Sabah has to play a catch up game. We want to see the development gap between the state and peninsula being reduced," Najib added.
''We will give due attention to Sabah and provide the necessary financial allocations within our capacity,'' the Prime Minister said.

Voicing his gratitude to Sabahans for giving the Barisan Nasional 22 of the 25 Parliament seats, Najib said the people had displayed their political maturity.

''Sabahans have shown that it is not simply a matter of changing the government but changing the lives of the people and this is what Barisan has done and will continue to do,'' Najib said.

LAHAD DATU, July 27 — The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) have maintained their strength of fighting and armoured vehicle assets as well as personnel in the Ops Daulat offensive for the Op Sanggah operation at Felda Sahabat Lahad Datu.

Its chief, General Tan Sri Zulkefeli Mohd Zin said the army, navy and air force were also in readiness to provide the necessary reinforcement should the need arise.

"At the moment we are emphasising on strengthening assets in the maritime area after acquiring new assets for the Op Sanggah.

"The additional assets at sea is crucial for intercepting and countering intrusion attempts by undesirable elements that wished to undermine the security of our country," he told reporters during a visit to the Op Sanggah control post in Tanduo, Felda Sahabat about 130 kilometers from here today.

Zulkefeli also said the people in the state particularly those living in the east coast need not feel anxious about their security.

On the permanent MAF Camp at Felda Sahabat, he said a battalion would be positioned there upon completion of the infrastructure.

He said Felda had allocated 400 acres for the camp, which would be the first major unit under the Op Sanggah.- BERNAMA