10,000 visit Malaysian navy’s biggest ship in Tawau
TAWAU: About 10,000 people here were given the chance to experience being on board a navy ship, the KD Sri Indera Sakti (KD SIS) at Tawau Port here, yesterday.
The biggest ship in the Malaysian fleet was open to the public from 9am until 5 pm yesterday, attracting 3,000 people in just half a day.
Its commander Mohamad Sham Saimon said the Royal Malaysian Navy initiated to be in physical form in promoting its products and services to the people who could always only see navy ships from television and newspapers.
He said the KD Sri Indera Sakti was a high value multi-purpose supporting ship to assist other ships or boats during operations or patrolling at sea.
He said it could stay for two months at sea on duty if needed.
According to him, the KD Sri Indera Sakti could carry 16 heavy vehicles (three tonnes), 36 cars, as well as many crew members. It could also become a centre during operations at sea.
Meanwhile, Sham disclosed that the Royal Malaysian Navy still needed more manpower, especially in Sabah and Sarawak and he urged youngsters regardless of race to join the navy.
Sebatik assemblyman Datuk Muis Picho said the navy could open the minds of youngsters and create interest in the navy as a career.
He expressed hope that more youngsters, especially the Tiong Hua group, would join the navy and make it their professional career.