'Port Of Call' A Common Practice For Navies - Mohamed Khaled

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- It is a common practice for ships, including naval vessels worldwide, to make temporary stops at ports before continuing to other destinations, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

Confirming the presence of a Russian Navy vessel in Penang today, he said the ship from the Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet is anchored at the port until this Thursday.

He added that an Italian Navy vessel had made a stop at Port Klang, Selangor, for four days starting from Oct 1.

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“A German Navy vessel is scheduled for a port of call at Port Klang this Wednesday. All these naval vessels have obtained permission to dock through diplomatic channels.

“In addition to handling logistical matters, the stops by foreign naval vessels also provide opportunities for defence-related diplomacy,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.

Mohamed Khaled explained that for foreign naval ships to dock at any port in Malaysia, a request must be submitted by the country concerned to the Royal Malaysian Navy, which is then forwarded to the Foreign Ministry for approval.

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“Without this permission, any stop by a military vessel would be considered an intrusion. This is different from merely sailing through international waters without docking, which is permitted by law,” he said.

The media reported today that Malaysia has granted permission for a vessel from the Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet to dock in Penang for four days starting today.

Previously, two military vessels from China, along with students from the Naval University of China, also docked at the Penang Port.

-- BERNAMA