China and Malaysia’s first-ever joint military exercise is an important strategic move

MALAYSIA is in a pivotal position, located midway between two key oceans – the Indian and Pacific. The Strait of Malacca (SOM) is the front yard of Malaysia’s security and is a vital maritime security artery for the country, especially for the movement of naval vessels from the Royal Malaysian Navy’s principal base in Lumut to other parts of the country.

The National Defence Policy of Malaysia 2010 demarcates the strait, including its entrance and exit, as geographical areas of Malaysia’s vital interests.

Media plays important role in reporting conflicts in national waters

Media practitioners play an important role in reporting and disseminating information to the public if any conflict occurs in national waters that threatens national security.

Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) chief, Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar said TLDM did not want incorrect information to be spread in the social media that could cause fear among the public.

Australian submarine makes surprise appearance in Penang

HMAS Sheean

GEORGE TOWN: An Australian-based submarine made an appearance in Penang waters this morning, to the awe of hundreds of ferry passengers. The HMAS Sheean submarine will berth at the container terminal in Butterworth before sailing off again on Oct 2. 

A spokesman from the Royal Malaysian Navy said the submarine was here for a break. HMAS made a courtesy call on the Resident Naval Officer here. 

The submarine will make an operations call on Sabah from Oct 8 to Oct 12 for training with KD Tunku Abdul Rahman on Oct 12 and Oct 13 respectively. HMAS Sheean is the fifth Collins Class Submarine built by the ASC in Adelaide, Australia. (New Straits Times)

MALAYSIA: MAF PLANS TO CONTINUE COOPERATION WITH PLA IN JOINT MILITARY EXERCISES

PETALING JAYA, Malaysia Sept 22 - The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) plans to continue its cooperation with the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) in organising joint exercises in the near future.

MAF Acting Chief, Gen Roslan Saad said both MAF and PLA weighed on the possibility of making this joint exercise an annual or biennial event due to the positive response shown by both sides throughout the programme.

Brunei-Malaysia to boost cooperation in defence science research, technology

BRUNEI and Malaysia discussed bilateral defence cooperation issues recently during the 17th Joint Defence Working Committee (JDWC) meeting between both countries in Penang, Malaysia.

The meeting was co-chaired by Ministry of Defence (MinDef) Permanent Secretary Datin Paduka Hjh Suriyah Hj Umar and Malaysian Ministry of Defence Secretary General Dato’ Sri Abdul Rahim Mohd Radzi.

New Air Force base in Sendayan 40 per cent completed

PORT DICKSON: The construction of the new airbase for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) in Sendayan, Seremban is now being actively carried out and so far, 40 per cent of the project has been developed.

Air Force chief General Tan Sri Roslan Saad said according to the plan, the new air base was expected to be fully completed by the end of 2016 and operations would begin early the following year.

Malaysian Navy needs more ships to improve security

KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) will require additional assets, especially ships, in order to step up security in local waters.

At the moment, six more multi-role naval vessels are needed, said Navy Chief Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar.

Singapore navy rescues crew of capsized Malaysian-registered trawler

SINGAPORE: A Malaysian-registered fishing trawler capsized in Singapore waters on Tuesday morning (Sep 22), the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said in a news release.

MPA received the report at about 9.40am that the trawler had capsized 7 nautical miles north-east of Pedra Branca.

Boustead Heavy Industries Corp gets RM4.8mil naval base job

PETALING JAYA: Boustead Heavy Industries Corp Bhd has received a RM4.8mil contract to the design, construction/adaptation of certain infrastructures of the Royal Malaysian Navy Kota Kinabalu Naval base.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia on Monday, the company said it got the sub-contract from Trans Resources Corp Sdn Bhd and was formally appointed as the technical assistance and coordination services provider last Friday.

The contract was signed for a period of 12 months, effective from Feb 1, the firm added.

It expected the new job to contribute positively to its earnings for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2016. (The Star)

Royal Thai Army orders additional STARStreak

Thales announced at DSEI that it has signed a multimillion pound contract with DataGate in Thailand to supply the Royal Thai Army with the STARStreak air defence missile system.

This contract follows on from Thailand’s initial purchase of STARStreak in 2012.