Sunday 31 March 2013

VAT 69 MEN GET HERO'S WELCOME






IPOH: Eighty-four VAT 69 police commandos, who served in the front line during operations against the Sulu armed intruders in Lahad Datu, were given a hero's welcome at the official residence of Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir recently.

They were greeted by the menteri besar and his wife, Datin Seri Saripah Zulkifli, their family members, comrades-in-arms, VAT 69 veterans and high-ranking police and military officers, including Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order (Special Operations Force) deputy director Datuk Abd Rashid Harun and the army's Second Infantry Brigade commander Datuk Md Dzahir Abdul Rashid upon their arrival at 9.30pm.

They were the second batch of VAT 69 personnel who returned to their base in Hulu Kinta here. The first batch arrived last Friday.

Present were Corporal Azman Ampong, Corporal Mohd Tarmizi Hashim and Constable Mohamad Qaiyum Aiqal Zolkipli, the three Vat 69 members who were injured in a bloody clash with the armed Sulu militants in Lahad Datu on March 1.

Zambry announced the state's contribution of RM300,000 to the Tabung Perwira Ops Daulat.

Earlier, Perak police chief Datuk Mohd Shukri Dahlan said 174 VAT 69 officers and personnel led by commander Datuk Azizan Abdul Aziz were involved in the operations.

"Another 60 police personnel from several departments in the state also participated in the operations."

Azizan, meanwhile, stressed that the VAT 69 personnel did not ask for sympathy or praise from the public and that they were doing their duty.

Qaiyum, who was recuperating from a single shot wound on his right shoulder, said his right hand was still numb due to the injury.  

Family members welcoming VAT 69 police commandos in Ipoh yesterday. (NST)

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