Royal Malaysian Navy Readiness Level Last Year at 56.52 Percent, Below Target – Chief
Despite the shortfall, the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) successfully conducted 615 operational missions, comprising six continuous 24/7 operations and three periodic operations.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The readiness level of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) in 2024 remained below the targeted goal, achieving 56.52 percent compared to the target of 75 percent, according to RMN Chief Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain.
Speaking during the New Year Address for 2025 today, he stated that despite the shortfall, the RMN successfully conducted 615 operational missions, comprising six continuous 24/7 operations and three periodic operations.
“Reflecting on 2024, while the RMN’s readiness level was below the target at 56.52 percent compared to the goal of 75 percent, the navy executed 615 operational missions, ensuring RMN assets were consistently present in the Maritime Operational Areas (KOM) at all times,” he said.
“This achievement demonstrates that the RMN fleet remains ever-ready and capable of fulfilling its entrusted duties,” he added.
On financial management, Admiral Zulhelmy highlighted that the RMN fully utilized its allocated budget of RM1.676 billion in 2024.
For 2025, the RMN has been allocated RM1.761 billion for operating expenses, reflecting an increase of RM84.933 million.
Royal Malaysian Navy Chief Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain.
Touching on development plans, Admiral Zulhelmy reported significant progress in the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project, which is proceeding according to a revised schedule.
The first of five ships under construction is expected to be delivered by the end of 2026.
Additionally, the Malaysian government awarded a contract on June 7, 2024, for the procurement of three Littoral Mission Ships (Batch 2) to Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik (STM).
The project, expected to take 40 months, is progressing smoothly as planned.
“Alhamdulillah, the First Steel Cutting ceremony was conducted in Istanbul, Turkiye, on December 4, 2024,” he said.
The RMN is also actively pursuing the acquisition of 13 Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) as force multipliers.
The first LCS “Maharaja Lela”
The procurement is being carried out in three phases, with four FICs from Phase 1 delivered on February 2, 2024.
These vessels are currently stationed at the Eastern Fleet Command Headquarters.
Regarding the development of MAWILLA 4, discussions and negotiations are ongoing between the Ministry of Defence and the Sarawak State Government to resolve several outstanding issues.
“The RMN hopes that this process can be expedited to ensure the development of MAWILLA 4 is realized within the stipulated timeframe,” Admiral Zulhelmy stated.
Looking ahead to 2025, the RMN Chief urged all personnel, referred to as “Navy People,” to prioritize four main pillars:
Ensuring Fleet Readiness as the Primary Focus.
Strengthening the Alignment of the 15to5 Transformation Plan (Platform).
Enhancing Integration and Synergy Between Forces and Joint Operations.
Empowering Human Resource Management.
(kredit FB Mohamed Khaled)
Admiral Zulhelmy also reminded commanders and commanding officers to adopt proactive measures to avoid accidents or negligence that could compromise asset readiness or result in government losses.
“These measures include strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), continuous training, and the implementation of Unannounced Audits (ATT) from time to time,” he emphasized.