The relocation of Kuala Lumpur Air Base (PU KL) to Sendayan Air Base (PU Sendayan) is made over the rationalisation of operation and security, says Royal Malaysian Air Force chief Gen Datuk Seri Affendi Buang.
He said the rapid development in Kuala Lumpur had resulted in the changing landscape of areas around PU KL, now densed with residents and its proximity to the Sungai Besi Highway made it no longer suitable as an RMAF base.
"PU KL is no longer suitable as an air force operation base...where flight operation is not safe due to high-rise buildings and dense population.
"Secondly the area is very exposed to external threats as PU KL could now be seen from the highway and the surrounding housing areas, making it vulnerable to outsiders," he told Bernama here today.
According to him, being exposed to the public also made it difficult for RMAF to keep military operation from spying activities.
"Another problem is for us to protect our military operations in PU KL without being noticed by other parties," he said.
Affendi said PU Sendayan which is expected to be ready by Dec 31 this year, is one of the eight relocation sites for PU KL.
Apart from that, he said the Subang Air Base would be ready by year's end while the air bases in Gong Kedak, Ipoh and Butterworth were completed and the Kuantan Air Base and 31st Royal Artillery Regiment Kajang would be ready by the second quarter of this year and the Subang Police Air Wing by year's end.
He said the locations of the air bases were made according to the mission and suitability as was previously done in PU KL.
"With rationalisation from operation and security aspects we could see the shifting of PU KL meets the requirements of RMAF," he said.
Affendi said more than 70 per cent of RMAF activities and training would be conducted at PU Sendayan when the base is completed and the new facilities would greatly benefit RMAF staff.
"It was built with the comfort of RMAF officers and personnel in mind, in terms of their workplace and quarters as well as new infrastructure to support RMAF training missions.
"Apart from that, we will centralise RMAF training at PU Sendayan which is being conducted in Subang, Alor Setar as well as Kinrara," he said.
He said when completed PU Sendayan would bring RMAF under one roof for training, uniformity as well as more effective command and control.
"When all the new centres and residences in PU Sendayan are ready for occupation, all PU KL activities will be conducted as usual at Sendayan for more effective and efficient operation," he said.
Asked on whether the historical aspect of Kuala Lumpur air base will be retained after it has been relocated to PU Sendayan, Affendi said Kuala Lumpur air base would be remembered as the first international runway used during the independence period, more than 60 years ago.
"If seen in terms of historical buildings, RMAF has it own museum which keeps artifacts since its establishment including PU KL.
"In this contexts, RMAF will preserve historical artifacts of Kuala Lumpur air base in RMAF museum to ensure the history of RMAF is not lost," he said.
Affendi said the people should look at the future development and harmony of buildings in PU KL as a project which could give good returns to the country. -- Bernama
Bernama
Mon Apr 10 2017
He said the rapid development in Kuala Lumpur had resulted in the changing landscape of areas around PU KL.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.