KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- The readiness of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) fleet is set to be strengthened with the planned acquisition of key assets, including the Multi-Role Support Ship (MRSS), Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and Littoral Mission Ship (LMS).
Deputy RMN Commander Vice-Admiral Datuk Badarudin Taha said the procurement of the MRSS is a crucial step in bridging logistics capability gaps between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak, while enhancing national preparedness in facing regional crises and conflicts.
He said the logistics support vessel, capable of carrying up to four helicopters, would also play a significant role in humanitarian and disaster relief operations.
“We must have the capability to ensure efficient logistics movement between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak,” he said when appearing as a guest on Bernama TV’s Apa Khabar Malaysia programme here today.
Badarudin added that the MRSS acquisition is currently in its final planning stage, with the tender expected to be issued soon.
On other assets, he said the RMN is scheduled to receive its first Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) by April next year, while three Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) Batch 2, currently under construction in Turkey, are also expected to be delivered next year, further strengthening the navy’s combat capabilities.
He also highlighted efforts to develop Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) technology in collaboration with local industry players, noting its growing importance and effectiveness in modern naval warfare.
In conjunction with the 92nd RMN Day celebration on April 27, the public is invited to visit the RMN Lumut Base as well as other main bases nationwide, including those in Klang, Kuantan, Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan.
Visitors can look forward to a range of activities such as maritime demonstrations, air shows and static displays aimed at showcasing the RMN’s capabilities.
“By getting to know the RMN more closely, I am confident Malaysians will have greater trust in our capabilities,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
