Labuan, Malaysia, 20 October 2015 – The opening ceremony of the Search and Rescue Exercise Malaysia-Brunei 11/2015 (SAREX MALBRU) between Tentera Udara Diraja Brunei (TUDB) and Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM) took place today at Labuan Airbase, Malaysia. Hosted by TUDM this year, a total of 46 personnel with 3 Blackhawk helicopters headed by Lt Col (U) Matyussof bin Hj Matyassin left Brunei for Labuan to attend the opening ceremony of the exercise as well as numerous briefings for the exercise participants. Before their departure, a send off ceremony for the delegation was held at the Air Movement Centre, Rimba Air Base. Present as the guest of honour was Col (U) Hj Hamsani bin Hj Abd Hamid, Acting Commander of the Royal Brunei Airforce.On arrival at Labuan Airbase, the delegation was met by the co-chairman of the exercise and also Acting Chief of Staff Air Region 2, Lt Col Effendy bin Jalani TUDM as well as senior officers and staffs from TUDM. Assets that are involved in the exercise include three Blackhawk helicopters from TUDB, one EC 725 helicopter and one Beechcraft aircraft from TUDM.
The objectives of SAREX MALBRU 11/2015 exercise are as follows:
a. To enhance and strengthen the current working relationship between TUDB and TUDM through the efforts of integration and cooperation in the coordination of joint SAR, as well as sharing and exchanging of SAR experience and knowledge whilst implementing procedures of interoperability.
b. To establish and strengthen ties among all levels of participants between the two Air Forces involved.
The exercise itself will be conducted over the waters of Brunei Darussalam and Labuan where TUDB Rescue Sub Centre (RSC) located at Rimba Airbase will be working in collaboration with Labuan RSC from TUDM. SAREX MALBRU 11/2015 is held from 19-23 October 2015 and is held every two years which will be hosted on a rotation basis.
