By: Stefyanie Myla Micheal
Luyshin LL-76
Kota Kinabalu: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) said it detected 16 People’s Liberation Army (PLAAF) aircraft near Malaysian Maritime Zone (ZMM) airspace, Kota Kinabalu Flight Information Region (KKFIR) and approaching national airspace on Monday.
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Air Force Chief, General Datuk Sri Ackbal Andul Samad, said in a statement that Hawk 208 fighter jets from the 6th Squadron of the Labuan Air Base were launched to intercept the aircraft as it was found to be crossing the Kota Kinabalu border after several attempts to direct them to contact KKFIR traffic control were ignored.
Dear Daily Express reader,
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein on Tuesday (June 1) said he would summon China’s ambassador in the country over a Chinese military aircraft manoeuvre in airspace near the East Malaysian state of Sarawak that was tantamount to a “breach of Malaysian airspace and sovereignty”. Hishammuddin’s statement followed an earlier announcement by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) that it had.
Malaysia accuses China of breaching airspace
Malaysia says it is to summon China s ambassador after 16 Chinese military aircraft flew over disputed waters off its eastern state of Sarawak.
Fighter jets were scrambled to intercept the transport planes on Monday after detecting suspicious activity over the South China Sea.
Malaysia s foreign ministry described the manoeuvre as a serious threat to national sovereignty .
China, however, said its aircraft had abided by international law.
Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei, Taiwan and Vietnam all contest China s claim to almost all of the South China Sea. The row has rumbled on for decades but tensions have increased in recent years.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) yesterday detected 16 aircraft from the People’s Liberation Army-Air Force (PLAAF) flying close to .