The Malaysian Home Ministry announced on May 4 it is pushing to expedite construction of a Remote Sensor Site (RSS) radar on Pulau Malawali to strengthen maritime security along Sabah's east coast [1]. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the radar's capability will provide critical information on security threats, allowing better control of the area's borders.
Under the 13th Malaysia Plan’s first rolling plan, the government allocated RM88 million for the radar installation. The project aims to fill coverage gaps left by the existing RSS Balambangan, which currently monitors just 70% of northern Sabah's maritime area. Once Pulau Malawali's RSS is operational, it will deliver full radar coverage to the northern region, eliminating blind spots that hamper rapid detection and response to illegal activities [1, 2].
"Through radar, data is analysed and targets identified before deployment of interception assets," Saifuddin explained. "Without sufficient radar coverage, rapid response is difficult," he added [2]. The Home Minister also stressed that security-related projects like this require prioritization beyond standard performance indicators to avoid delays that could undermine border control [1].
In addition to the radar upgrade, the Home Ministry has received government approval for six new General Operations Force posts in Sabah, awaiting implementation to further bolster security presence [1, 2].
The ministry has intensified focus on the Sabah border with a recent two-week joint inspection involving police, maritime enforcement, and the Eastern Sabah Security Command at key border points and islands off Sabah’s coast. Sabah consists of 14 inhabited and 48 uninhabited islands, many vulnerable to intrusion [2].
Saifuddin emphasized urgency in completing these security projects on schedule: "The radar on Pulau Malawali must be expedited. If completed on schedule, there will be no more blind spots in the area and this is a top priority" [1].
The Home Ministry plans to accelerate work on the Pulau Malawali radar site immediately following the announcement, aiming to enhance Sabah’s border security swiftly.
