Malaysia-Brunei Army Enhance Cooperation Via Joint Exercises

KOTA KINABALU (Sabah, Malaysia), Oct 19 (Bernama) - The Malaysian Army (TDM) and the Royal Brunei Land Forces (RBLF) are enhancing cooperation in military defence strategy via Malbru Setia 12/2015 and Mertak Bersatu 10/2015 Exercises in several locations in Sabah (east Malaysian state). Eastern Ergion Field Commander, Lt Gen Mohd Zaki Mokhtar said more than 500 officers and soldiers from both countries were participating in the exercises which would end on Oct 26. Malbru Setia Exercise is being held for the first time in Sabah. The joint exercises were previously held in Miri, Sarawak as the city is bordered by Brunei. (Sabah and Sarawak are the two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo) Mohd Zaki said Mertak Bersatu Exercise involved the deployment of soldiers to Kota Belud, Sabah. "For the first time, we are combining the two joint exercises," he told reporters after opening the two joint exercises at Lok Kawi Camp, here, Monday. In addition to Lok Kawi Camp, the exercise would also be held at public areas in Tamparuli and the Kota Belud shooting range. The exercises were preceded by cross training and field training comprising offensive, assault and mortar fire to mark the completion of the exercises. Mohd Zaki said the joint exercises could be a platform to further enhance Malaysia-Brunei military ties and bilateral cooperation between both countries. Meanwhile, RBLF Deputy Commander, Col Muhammed Haszaimi Bol Hassan hoped that Brunei army officers and soldiers used the joint exercises to share knowledge and military expertise. -- BERNAMA