Kota Belud, Sabah Friday 17 November 2006 - Mortar exercise comprised of Mortar Platoons from the Royal Brunei Land Force and Malaysian Army codenamed "Mertak Bersatu" is officially closed yesterday, Thursday 16 Nov 2006 by the Commander of the Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF), Colonel Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Rosli bin Pengiran Haji Chuchu which was held at Firing Point 4, Kota Belud Firing Range. Also in attendance was the Acting Chief of Malaysian Army, Yang Berbahagia Lieutenant General Datuk Muhammad Ismail bin Haji Jamaluddin.

The Commander of RBLF is grateful that RBLF and the Malaysian Army have always been in good rapport, cooperating and collaborating in many ways in terms of keeping peace and security of the two nations said the RBLF Commander in his closing speech. He stated that the exercise reflects the importance of bilateral relationship between the two armies in boosting the excellence cooperation especially in enhancing the military professionalism. He hopes that these exercises will be extended; the concepts and objectives would be assessed, updated and thus relevant for the mutual benefits of both countries. Moreover every trainings must be well and thoughtfully planned so as to achieve its operational objectives and ensure equal returns of deployed sources such as human resources, ideas, financial and materials.

The Commander of RBLF highlighted that in the ever changing world, the current challenging situation filled with human-inflicting threats and destruction, and natural disasters, demands a higher level of professionalism and readiness of forces in providing necessary services and expertise when needed. This may not only be military peace-keeping missions but also humanitarian assistance as we see today.

The closing ceremony was highlighted with 81mm mortars drills and firing demonstration, which consist of all mortar platoons from the Royal Brunei Land Force and Malaysian Army firing the targeted area from several firing points.

This exercise which begin on the 5th November 2006 with the movement all personnel and vehicles from Berakas Garison to Bangar Camp and ended at Camp Paradise, Kota Belud Sabah has finally concluded with a closing parade ceremony by all mortar platoons under the command of the parade commander, Captain Azaman bin Haji Hussin from the Royal Brunei Land Force.

This seventh series exercise has met its objective and furthermore strengthens the bilateral relations between the two forces. During their stay at Camp Paradise, Royal Brunei Land Force, Mortar Platoon also have friendly sports; namely Volleyball, Soccer, Sepak Takraw with the Malaysian counterpart and a charity work with the cleaning of local mosque at Kg Tambulion, which located just near the Paradise Camp, Kota Belud.