(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Recently, a naming and commissioning ceremony for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Patrol Crafts (PC), namely KD SRI SABAH and KD SRI SARAWAK, took place at the RMN Base Jetty in Tanjung Gelang, Kuantan.
Navy chief Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Ayob, presided over the Commissioning Order as a symbolic act of commissioning the ships.
He emphasized that the deployment of KD SRI SABAH and KD SRI SARAWAK in the RMN fleet is a temporary measure to meet the challenging operational needs in the field, rather than a part of a long-term asset development plan focusing on acquiring new assets.
Quoting local media during a subsequent press conference, Admiral Ayob stated, “On June 10, 2020, when the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) expressed their intention not to recommission these two vessels, they handed them over to the RMN.”
“We took a new approach by thoroughly refurbishing these two ships to enable them to operate and meet TLDM’s operational requirements. Most of the ship’s components, especially the propulsion system, including engines and gears, were replaced with new iron pieces.”
He further added, “As a result, no more PC-type vessels will undergo refurbishment, and currently, we have only four in operation, namely KD Sri Sabah, KD Sri Sarawak, KD Sri Perlis, and KD Sri Johor.
“We anticipate that KD Sri Sabah and KD Sarawak will be operational for a period of 15 years before being decommissioned. The successful refurbishment of these two over 50-year-old ships is a source of pride.”
According to the plan, these two vessels will be stationed in the eastern waters of Sabah to address maritime operations in narrow and shallow areas.
Additionally, they will serve as training and operational platforms.
The Navy People initiative in 2019, along with the commitment of MSET Corporation Sdn Bhd in Kuala Terengganu to carry out an extensive refit, has allowed KD SRI SABAH and KD SRI SARAWAK to present a new appearance.
This showcases the capability and potential for advancement within the local maritime defense industry.
The TLDM personnel should take pride in the “handover” initiative, involving the transfer of ownership from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM), the “makeover” (refit), and the “changeover” (naming and commissioning), as it enables the support of increasing operational needs.
Hopefully, this serves as inspiration for the Navy People to continue striving to ensure the continued success of TLDM. — DSA
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