Navy to acquire new assets to ensure sovereignty of Malaysian seas

KUALA LUMPUR: On the 85th anniversary of its establishment today, the Royal Malaysian Navy ( RMN) is further enhancing its fleet capabilities in line with current developments to ensure the sovereignty of the country’s seas is preserved.

The RMN will acquire various new assets, such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and Littoral Mission Ship (LMS), to ensure that the national defence agency is able to cope with the increasingly complex challenges in its waters.

Navy Chief Admiral Datuk Mohd Reza Mohd Sany said a high-level of preparedness for surface or subsurface assets was required to ensure the role of maintaining territorial sovereignty could be effectively implemented.

“The top leadership is always focusing on the fleet’s wellbeing because it is the key to the team’s operations. This fleet’s preparedness is also in line with the 15-to- 5 Transformation programme,” he told Bernama.

( The 15- 5 Transformation programme is aimed at restructuring RMN’s current 15 classes of vessels to just five categories: LMS, LCS, Multi-Role Support Ships (MRSS), New Generation Patrol Vessels and submarines.)

Mohd Reza also explained that the ability of RMN members and assets in carrying out certain operations was proven when entrusted with tasks during the intrusion in Lahad Datu, Sabah.

“RMN vessels have been tasked with carrying out marine sanctions and ferrying Naval Special Forces ( PASKAL) members to combat terrorists along sea routes.

“The RMN is also involved in overseas operations, among them the 2004 Earthquake Humanitarian Aid Mission in Sumatra, Indonesia,” he said.

He said that RMN also undertook operations as well as collaborations with foreign naval forces as it always aimed to improve the skills and knowledge of its personnel. He said if RMN ships travelled overseas, the personnel would play its role as a mini ambassador by promoting Malaysia.

“RMN personnel or the Navy People will hold several activities, like cultural shows, promoting tourism spots as well as assuring potential tourists about security in Malaysia,” he said. — Bernama