Malaysian base for N. Borneo

Malaysian base for N. Borneo

KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Malaysian Defense Minister Najib Tun Razak said his ministry is considering establishing a small air base on the northeastern coast of Sabah state on the island of Borneo, the national Bernama news agency reported.

The base would operate from a new airport that is currently under construction in the town of Tawau on Sabah's east coast, he was quoted as saying in the report late Tuesday.

Najib also said the construction of two naval bases in the area were progressing well.

Military operations in Sabah intensified in the past year, after rebels from the southern Philippines, barely an hour away by boat, twice entered the Malaysian waters, taking hostage both foreign tourists and resort workers from Sipadan and Pandanan islands off Sabah's east coast.