RMAF STRATEGIC BASE CONFIRMED OUT.

RMAF still looking for ideal site to set up air base

August 05, 2010

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 5 – The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is still on the look out for an ideal site in the Klang valley, to set up a new RMAF base, replacing the current one in Sungai Besi.

RMAF deputy chief Lt-Gen Datuk Shahron Ibrahim said the RMAF and the Defence Ministry were still studying the most suitable and strategic location before deciding to shift the base.

“We have seen a number of sites but a decision has yet to be made because the process needs a careful study, especially in terms of logistics,” he told reporters at the Excellence Service Awards for 2009 at the Sungai Besi RMAF Base here today.

He said the current base would not be closed this year but a new site needed to be identified by this year because to develop a new base would require about three years.

Last June, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said the old Sungai Besi Airport which was turned into a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) base would soon be closed to make way for the “Greater KL” development project as spelt out in the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP). – Bernama