IPOH, July 7 — The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, today officially opened the Sultan Nazrin Shah 69 Commando Camp in Ulu Kinta here.

The Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim, the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa, and the Raja DiHilir of Perak, Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Sultan Idris Shah also attended the event.

Also present were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail.

In his speech, Saifuddin Nasution said the opening of the camp symbolises the MADANI Government’s commitment to strengthening the capabilities of the nation’s security forces to address increasingly complex and evolving security challenges.

“This camp reflects the government’s commitment to providing the best facilities, infrastructure and training environment to ensure the force remains fully prepared to safeguard the nation’s peace and sovereignty,” he said.

Saifuddin Nasution said Malaysia was ranked 12th out of 163 countries in the latest Global Peace Index (GPI), an achievement that is a source of pride for the country’s security forces.

He said the contributions of the 69 Commando unit, established in 1969, have been proven through its involvement in numerous key operations, including combating the communist insurgency, the Al-Maunah incident in 2000, Ops Daulat in Lahad Datu, Sabah, in 2013, and the country’s special deployment in connection with the MH17 tragedy in 2014.

“In addition, the unit has played a key role in counter-terrorism operations, hostage rescue missions and responding to high-risk security threats.

“Whenever the nation has faced threats to its sovereignty and security, the 69 Commando has always been at the forefront,” he said.

In recognition of the unit’s service and sacrifices, he said the government developed the Sultan Nazrin Shah Camp as the new main base for the 69 Commando.

Saifuddin Nasution said the camp was built at a cost of more than RM206 million on a 338-hectare site. It was meticulously planned to meet operational requirements before being handed over to the Royal Malaysia Police in 2024 as a modern and comprehensive operations, training and administrative complex.

“The Sultan Nazrin Shah Camp is a strategic national investment that will serve as a catalyst for enhancing the 69 Commando’s capabilities for decades to come.

“This camp is not merely a physical development, but also a symbol of the nation’s appreciation for the service and sacrifices of generations of 69 Commando officers and personnel who have served for more than five decades,” he said.

He said the camp would nurture a new generation of 69 Commando personnel to carry on the unit’s legacy, while serving as a centre to strengthen expertise, fighting spirit and strategic cooperation to ensure Malaysia remains peaceful, stable and sovereign.

He expressed confidence that the Sultan Nazrin Shah Camp would continue to stand as a symbol of the 69 Commando’s excellence, courage and sacrifice in defending the nation’s peace, security and sovereignty. — Bernama