HONOURING OUR AIRMEN : THE CLOSURE OF SUNGAI BESI AIRBASE AND ITS FUTURE

Photos Source : Bro Rady, Awani, Cindai Kuning, TUDM and random searches from the Internet

In 2018, many RMAF veterans feel a profound sense of loss following the relocation of Sungai Besi Airbase (ICAO WKMF) to Sendayan especially witnessing and listening to the historical Armed Forces Reveille/Retreat Ceremony (ATM Paluan Berundur). The old quarters, once well-maintained, was said to have been left to overgrow, resulting in underutilized infrastructure and impacting the nearby RMAF mosque.

For retirees, bidding farewell to this historic base evokes nostalgia, pride, and a subtle disappointment at the changes brought by redevelopment. Few may know that Sungai Besi Airbase (nearly a century old) was also known as Simpang Airport, the first airport in Malaysia, long before Subang.

By now, many ex-RMAF personnel likely recognize PMX’s decisive actions in reclaiming the former Sungai Besi Airbase, gazetting portions as Malay Reserve land and allocating areas for veterans’ housing, demonstrating a clear commitment to the welfare of retired armed forces members.

This does not constitute a military reactivation, as PU Sendayan has more than sufficient capacity/facilities, including provisions for the RMAF Museum.

Conspiracy theories never grow old. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the so-called ‘intelligence reports’ claiming secret, high-tech weapons are being developed or stored at the former Sungai Besi Airbase. I thought to myself, “What is this? Area 51?”

On the other hand, The Ministry of Defence oversees base decommissioning under strict operational protocols, including asset inventories, appointed custodians, legal oversight, and formal site handovers. These measures ensure full accountability and prevent unauthorised disclosures, in line with the Official Secrets Act (OSA). In accordance with standard military protocol, any operational concerns or intelligence are handled through established command channels, not speculation.

This approach reassures the public without revealing operational specifics, curbs rumours, and strengthens confidence in institutional command and control structures.

Redevelopment of Bandar Malaysia

The government plans to redevelop Bandar Malaysia, led by KLCC Holdings Berhad, the property arm of Petronas and the Petronas Twin Towers.