BAYAN LEPAS: Armed forces’ quarters and surrounding areas, including the Armed Forces Family Housing (RKAT), nationwide will undergo repair and upgrading soon.
Deputy Defence Minister Liew Chin Tong said the works would be carried out after several audit processes and checks at the premises concerned
“We need time to check these premises to see whether they are in a poor condition. After we have a record of all those which need repair or upgrade, we will proceed with it.
“The allocation for the said purpose is limited and we do not have funds to build new quarters. As such, we will embark on restoration works, which is cost saving,” he said during a working visit to the Division Two Infantry Base here today.
It is learnt that there are 7,667 quarters nationwide with 4,748 of them in good condition.
In Penang, there are 1,084 such units. Some 229 units need repair and upgrading, with 812 units inhibited.
Meanwhile, Liew announced that the ministry was in the midst of preparing a white paper on defence policy.
“We see the need to have two-way communication between the armed forces and the society to expose them to the work of our armed forces.
“Through this policy, the people will better understand the job of the armed forces to ensure the nation’s continuous peace.
“Also, the armed forces personnel are ever ready to provide social services to the people,” he said.
Present was Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.