Joint border post set for Kalimantan

KUCHING, Sarawak: The Malaysian and Indonesian military plan to establish a joint border post at Timbang Mangaris, Sabah, to enhance security along their common border in Kalimantan.

Commander of the First Malaysian Infantry Division Maj. Gen. Mohamed Azumi Mohamad said the post would be ready by August.

"Apart from ensuring security, the post will also strengthen friendship between the two military forces," he said in Sarawak state, following talks with the Indonesian area commander for Kalimantan, Maj. Gen. Zainuri Hashim.

It will be the third joint post, Antara reported. The first two are located in Lubuk Antu and Biawak.

Zainuri described excellent relations between the militaries of the two countries and said many border problems were resolved amicably.

Their relationship will be enhanced further with a new exchange program involving children of armed forces personnel.

Children of Malaysian soldiers, for example, will be able to visit Pontianak, Samarinda and other cities in Kalimantan to stay with Indonesian military families, with reciprocal visits arranged for the Indonesian personnel's offspring.