Construction of RMAF Bare Base in Bintulu Begins, Boosting East Malaysia’s Air Defense

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – More than three years after being announced by then-Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, the construction of a 48-hectare Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Bare Base in Bintulu is set to commence soon.

Recently, the Ministry of Works held a Project Director Appointment and Handover Ceremony for the Letter of Acceptance (SST) for the RMAF Bare Base Construction Project in Bintulu at Menara Kerja Raya.

“The construction of this project (RMAF Bare Base in Bintulu) aims to establish a basic air base equipped with adequate facilities to support optimal operational requirements, utilizing existing military personnel and assets in line with the concept of a Periodic Operating Base (POB),” according to a recent RMAF social media post.

The project is also expected to enhance optimal protection for air defense interests in East Malaysia, as stated during the ceremony officiated by the Minister of Works, YB Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, and the Director-General of Public Works, Datuk Wira Ir. Roslan bin Ismail.

Approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan Rolling Plan 2 (RMK12 RP2), the planning phase for the project began in August 2021.

The base, situated near Bintulu Airport in Sarawak, spans 48 hectares. Construction is scheduled to start in November 2024 and is expected to be completed by May 2028.

Brief:

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) will soon begin constructing a 48-hectare Bare Base near Bintulu Airport, Sarawak, with work set to commence in November 2024 and completion targeted for May 2028. Approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12 RP2), this strategically located base aims to provide essential facilities for optimal operational support, aligned with the Periodic Operating Base (POB) concept.

The Bare Base will among other potentially serve as a hub for Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) operations, focusing on Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions in the South China Sea. Its proximity to Beting Patinggi Ali—a zone frequently encroached upon by Chinese vessels—and the Kasawari Gas Field underscores its critical role in safeguarding Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Additionally, the base will complement the Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN) planned Fourth Sea Region Command (MAWILLA 4) in Samalaju, enhancing logistical and defense capabilities in East Malaysia. This initiative strengthens Malaysia’s air and maritime defense posture amidst rising tensions in the South China Sea.

A “Bare Base” refers to an airbase equipped with minimal facilities to support operations, such as runways, taxiways, and aircraft and helicopter parking areas.

Despite its limited infrastructure, the RMAF Bare Base in Bintulu will also serve as a potential hub for Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) operations, particularly for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions over the South China Sea.

The establishment of an airbase in Bintulu is a timely decision, given the current developments in the South China Sea.

Its proximity to Beting Patinggi Ali—an area frequently patrolled by Chinese coast guard vessels that reportedly encroach upon Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), rich in oil and gas resources—further underscores its strategic importance.

The base will also be located near the Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN) Fourth Maritime Region Command (MAWILLA 4), which will be constructed once the land premium payment to the Sarawak government is finalized.

MAWILLA 4 will be built in Samalaju to establish a naval base close to the Kasawari Gas Field and Beting Patinggi Ali in the South China Sea EEZ.

The RMAF Bare Base in Bintulu is expected to support MAWILLA 4 operations, particularly in logistics, enhancing Malaysia’s defense posture in the region. – DSA