Muara Tebas Rising: RMN Eyes New Submarine Base to Fortify South China Sea Frontline
The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) chief has not ruled out the possibility that the upcoming Region Four Naval Area Command Headquarters (MAWILLA 4), to be constructed in Muara Tebas, Kuching, could serve as a forward operating base for the service’s submarine fleet.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — In a strategic recalibration that could reshape Malaysia’s maritime posture in the South China Sea, the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) is weighing the prospect of establishing a forward submarine operating base at the future Markas Wilayah Laut 4 (MAWILLA 4) in Muara Tebas, Kuching — a decision with far-reaching geo-strategic implications.
According to RMN Chief Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain, the area’s natural maritime characteristics make Muara Tebas an attractive location for submarine-related operations, particularly as a transit point.
Its gently sloping seabed and sea depth of up to 14 metres are ideal for the docking and resupply of sub-surface assets — especially diesel-electric submarines like Malaysia’s Scorpène-class platforms.
“For Muara Tebas to serve as a submarine transit hub, there is no issue. However, the potential for it to become a forward operating base for our submarines — I would say that is a distinct possibility,” he said, during a high-level site visit alongside Armed Forces Chief General Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar, as reported by Bernama.
He further noted that the waters off Muara Tebas are sufficiently deep and wide to accommodate vessels measuring between 100 and 120 metres in length — well within the range for most regional naval platforms, including multi-role frigates and support vessels.
The development of MAWILLA 4 is currently under feasibility study by the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), which owns the land earmarked for the facility.
The feasibility study of MAWILLA 4, which is expected to elevate the Royal Malaysian Navy’s presence in East Malaysia, is projected to be ready by Q1 of next year, pending federal approval.
“SEDC is conducting the study at present. The construction phase is expected to take about three years once we obtain clearance from the Ministry of Defence.
“We will need to align the project with the funding allocations under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), and it has been prioritised as one of the Malaysian Armed Forces’ key strategic infrastructure initiatives. Should early approval be granted, we are ready to begin construction even earlier,” Admiral Zulhelmy said.
Although Muara Tebas is not located directly on the South China Sea, it sits only 20 to 30 kilometres inland at the mouth of the Sarawak River, providing relatively quick access to open waters and key maritime corridors in the region.
What was once a sleepy fishing village may soon become a critical node in Malaysia’s defence posture along its eastern maritime frontier.
This shift also marks a major change in naval planning.
Until recently, Bintulu — strategically closer to the hotly contested Luconia Shoals (Beting Patinggi Ali) and within the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) — was slated to host MAWILLA 4.
The original plan envisioned a 200-acre naval installation at Samalaju Industrial Park, offering proximity to potential flashpoints in the northern sector of the South China Sea.
However, after comprehensive assessments factoring in long-term maintenance, infrastructure readiness, and inter-agency coordination with the Sarawak state government, defence officials opted to relocate the project to Muara Tebas, said Armed Forces Chief Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar yesterday.
“Initial discussions with the Sarawak state government have been positive. Both the federal military leadership and state authorities have agreed on Muara Tebas as the preferred location, given various logistical and economic factors.
“In Bintulu, maintenance costs would have been significantly higher. After evaluating cost, feasibility, and infrastructure potential, Muara Tebas emerged as the better choice,” Mohd Nizam explained.
Once operational, MAWILLA 4 in Muara Tebas is expected to match the capabilities of Teluk Sepanggar Naval Base in Sabah — currently home to Malaysia’s submarine command and the Scorpène-class KD Tunku Abdul Rahman and KD Tun Razak, he said.
From a geo-strategic perspective, expanding submarine operations to Sarawak enhances maritime domain awareness (MDA) and reduces deployment response times across the central and southern sectors of Malaysia’s EEZ.
It also sends a clear signal of deterrence amidst increasing incursions and grey-zone operations by foreign maritime militias and coastguards near Malaysia’s Luconia Shoals — a critical maritime feature also claimed by multiple states, including China.
By anchoring a new naval facility closer to key flashpoints while maintaining a layered command structure, Malaysia is reshaping its deterrent architecture and reinforcing its commitment to maritime sovereignty in a region fraught with strategic tension.
The future of MAWILLA 4 — and Muara Tebas itself — now holds a far larger significance in the broader equation of regional naval power projection.
— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA
