SUNGAI SIPUT: The Malaysian Army made history today by selecting Sungai Siput, Perak – the location where the state of emergency was first declared in Malaya in 1948 following the murder of three British plantation managers by the communists – to celebrate the 86th Army Day.

The celebration at the Kamuning Estate, here, was the first ever held outside Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan and Kuala Lumpur, and it was to bring awareness to the younger generation about the nation’s history.

A huge crowd turned up to witness the 86th Army Day in Sungai Siput. – NSTP/SYARAFIQ ABD SAMAD

Army chief Gen Datuk Seri Ahmad Hasbullah Mohd Nawawi said the 86th Army Day celebration was also unique, as it witnessed the launch of the Satria Perkasa Exercise held from today until March 11.

“This exercise is aimed at testing the formation and team capabilities of the ‘Strike Force’ in conventional warfare, as well as the effectiveness of joint operations among the Brigades, Field Troops and Army Troops and the army’s ability to mobilise and implement systematic training.

“In addition, this exercise has been carried out simultaneously in the Western Field (Peninsular) and Eastern Field (Sabah and Sarawak),” he told reporters after officiating the celebration here today.

Commenting further, Ahmad Hasbullah said the exercise involved a cost of RM10 million.

At the opening ceremony, a total of 149 officers and 1,943 personnel of various ranks joined the parade led by 6th Brigade Commander Brig Gen Datuk Abdul Aziz Ismail.

A boy trying out one of the many firearms on display during the 86th Army Day Celebration in Sungai Siput. – NSTP/SYARAFIQ ABD SAMAD

Based on the ‘battle parade’ concept, visitors have a chance to get up close with the country’s prized military assets from today till Sunday.

Among them are the ‘Lipan Bara’ – a 4×4 high-mobility armoured vehicle (HMAV) equipped with a 7.62mm M134D-H Gattling Gun and ‘Gempita’, the Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV25) used to search, identify and destroy enemies in all phases of warfare. — Bernama