Lumut Naval Town, Malaysia

Norway Restricts Export Of Naval Strike Missile To Malaysia

2026-05-08T18:45:00.007+08:00

SINGAPORE–The Norway government has restricted the export of Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM) technology to Malaysia, citing tighter controls on sensitive technologies. The move adds further uncertainty to Malaysia’s troubled Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program, which has already faced years of...

Chen Chuanren May 07, 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: Norway has ban the deliveries of the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM) to Malaysia, effectively cancelling the supply and delivery contract for them, signed back in 2018. It also meant that the order for two more NSM launchers announced at LIMA 2025, is also cancelled.

The decision to ban the deliveries of the NSM was made known to Malaysia, just days before the scheduled deliveries of the surface-to-surface missiles for the five RMN Littoral Combat Ships (LCS).

The decision to ban the deliveries of the NSM was conveyed to Defence Minister DS Khaled Nordin during a meeting with Norwegian officials on April 20, on the first day of DSA 2026 exhibition, according to defence industry sources.

The sources told Malaysian Defence that Norway made the unilateral decision to ban the deliveries of the missiles, effectively cancelling the contract without notifying Malaysia of its attention.

Malaysian Defence agreed not to publish the story after meeting Defence Ministry secretary-general Lokman Hakim Ali on April 21. He asked the publication be delayed until the matter was briefed to the Malaysian Cabinet.

Khaled confirmed that he was told about the delivery ban, when asked by Malaysian Defence on April 22, the third day of DSA 2026. He said the ministry was waiting for an official statement from the Norwegian government before informing the Malaysian Cabinet on the issue and the next course of action.
He said the ministry will issued an official statement after the Cabinet meeting. The Cabinet meeting is held regularly on every Wednesday. As the story is published today, the ministry has yet to issue a statement on the ban. The release has been issued (below).

Following a query from Malaysian Defence, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in an email reply on May 5 stated that:

Norwegian authorities have concluded to revoke certain export licenses related to specific technologies. This change is due to Norway’s stricter controls of certain technologies.
Norway greatly values its strong relationship with Malaysia, and we look forward to continued cooperation and our constructive dialogue with the Malaysian authorities.

It did not say why the ban was imposed at the last minute nor whether Kongsberg will repay the payments made by Malaysia.

The last minute cancellation meant the ministry and the RMN now has to find the replacement missiles to the already-much delayed, LCS project. It is unlikely a contract for the replacement will be signed within the next few months.

When the government procured the NSM for the LCS back in 2018, as the usual practise it never confirmed the number of missiles bought. PMX told Parliament in August 2025 that the RMN was getting 48 NSM.

Lokman Hakim said the Norwegian official told the Defence Minister that Kongsberg was invoking force majeure on the contract, as it has no legal right to deliver the missiles to Malaysia, as a new Norwegian legislature on arms deals forbids the deliveries of advanced weapons to non-Nato countries apart from close allies. Malaysia is the only non-Nato country and its close allies which bought the NSM.

According to Kongsberg, apart from Malaysia, the NSM or the air launched version Joint Strike Missile had been selected by Norway, Poland, Germany, the United States, Japan, Romania, Canada, Australia, Denmark, UK and Spain. Checks on Kongsberg website today showed Malaysia was still among the buyers of the NSM/JSM.

Malaysia looks for ‘further clarifications’ from Norway after Naval Strike Missile order falters

By Tim Martin and Mike Yeo on May 06, 2026 12:58 pm

Malaysia and Kongsberg signed a deal in 2018 for supply of an undisclosed number of NSM weapons to equip six new Littoral Combat Ships.

Kongsberg's Naval Strike Missile can hit ships and land based targets out to a range beyond 300 kilometres. (Kongsberg)

BELFAST and SINGAPORE — Malaysia says it will “seek further clarifications” from Norway surrounding an order for Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) after reports emerged that Oslo is reneging on a defense exports approval — likely signaling cancellation of the deal.

Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said in a statement published on social media today that he had taken note of reports claiming the procurement is facing a supply issue along with Norway’s apparent change of heart.

In light of the reports, “Malaysia will use diplomatic channels with the Government of Norway to seek further clarifications and find the best solution in the interest of the country,” he said. Nordin did not mention if Kuala Lumpur will seek to recoup any payments made to Kongsberg or if alternative weapons are to be assessed as a possible NSM replacement.

“Norwegian authorities have concluded to revoke certain export licenses related to specific technologies. This change is due to Norway’s stricter controls of certain technologies,” a spokesperson for Norway’s ministry of foreign affairs told Breaking Defense on May 7.

“Norway greatly values its strong relationship with Malaysia, and we look forward to continued cooperation and our constructive dialogue with the Malaysian authorities.”

Malaysia and Kongsberg signed a deal in 2018 for supply of an undisclosed number of NSM weapons to equip six new Royal Malaysian Navy Littoral Combat Ships (LCS).

The “Ministry of Defense remains committed to ensuring the country’s defense readiness is unaffected and maintaining good bilateral relations” with Norway, he added.

The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway’s Ministry of Defense and Kongsberg all did not respond to a request for comment by press time.

Should the cancellation go ahead, it would deal a fresh blow to Malaysia’s LCS program, leaving the navy in need of a new primary anti-ship missile at a time when the country’s lead ship, LCS 1 Maharaja Lela, has started sea trials after years of delay.

According to Kongsberg company literature [PDF] NSM offers “high survivability against all enemy soft and hard kill defence systems,” and is designed specifically to destroy air and land based targets out to a range beyond 300km (186 miles). It can also travel at high supersonic speed and weighs 407kg (just under 900 pounds).

Updated 5/7/2026 at 12:16 pm ET with comment from Norway’s ministry of foreign affairs.

Malaysia’s First Littoral Combat Ship Begins Sea Trials

2026-05-08T17:29:00.001+08:00

Published on 30/04/2026 By Albert Lee In News

LCS 1 Maharaja Lela off Pangkor Island during its sea trials, April 28 2026 (Lumut Naval Shipyard)

Malaysia’s Lumut Naval Shipyard announced April 29 that the Royal Malaysian Navy’s first Littoral Combat Ship, LCS 1 Maharaja Lela, had begun sea trials the day before.

The shipyard released photographs of LCS 1 underway in waters off of Pangkor Island near the shipyard, alongside a brief statement:

LCS 1 conducted her first sea trial yesterday as part of her performance validation and readiness assessment programme prior to sea acceptance trials with the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).
The trial marks an important step in evaluating her systems and operational capabilities under real sea conditions.

The frigate had previously performed its “first sea going” in January, sailing under its own power for the first time in the same area during a test of its propulsion systems, electricity generation, and air conditioning systems.

A Lumut Naval Shipyard representative that spoke with Naval News at the 2026 Defence Services Asia exhibition said the shipyard was contractually required to begin sea trials by the end of April. Under a revised schedule disclosed by Malaysian Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin in January following delays on LCS 1, LCS 1’s sea trials were to start in early April, ahead of the current delivery date scheduled for December this year.

VL MICA for Malaysian LCS

Also announced at Defence Services Asia was the signing of a letter of intent between MBDA and the Malaysian defense ministry for the purchase of 29 VL MICA surface to air missiles for the Littoral Combat Ships, valued at RM504.5 million (approximately US$127.6 million).

While not identified by name in the ministry’s official press release, representatives of MBDA and the Royal Malaysian Navy at the exhibition confirmed to Naval News that the missiles were VL MICAs, but declined to provide further details. A Royal Malaysian Navy representative described the VL MICA as a “proven” choice, while an MBDA representative noted the VL MICA selection had been made a significant time ago.

KD Maharaja Lela (2501) main specifications

Displacement: 3,100 tons full load
Length: 111 m (364 ft 2 in)
Beam: 16 m (52 ft 6 in)
Draught: 3.85 m (12 ft 8 in)
Propulsion: CODAD
Speed: 28 knots (52 km/h)
Range: 5,000 nautical miles (9,300 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h)
Complement: 138 sailors

Weapon systems:

Main gun: 1 × Bofors 57 mm gun
Secondary gun: 2 × MSI DS30M 30 mm cannon
SAM: VL MICA
ASM: 8 × Naval Strike Missile SSM
Torpedo: 2 × triple SEA torpedo launcher

LUMUT - NAVY CITY PARADE 2026 ON NAVY DAY

2026-05-08T17:02:00.000+08:00

LUMUT, 1 Mei 2026 – Lumut Navy City Parade sempena Sambutan Hari Ulang Tahun Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM) ke-92 telah berlangsung dengan penuh meriah di Dataran Lumut. Acara bersejarah ini turut menandakan pengiktirafan Lumut sebagai Bandar Tentera Laut, Pelancongan dan Maritim—status yang telah diisytiharkan sejak 2009.

DYTM Raja Muda Perak Darul Ridzuan, Raja Jaafar Ibni Almarhum Raja Muda Musa, berkenan mencemar duli menyempurnakan Majlis Perasmian Lumut Navy City Parade. Keberangkatan baginda yang mewakili DYMM Paduka Seri Sultan Perak Darul Ridzuan, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, telah disambut oleh Menteri Besar Perak, YAB Dato’ Seri Saarani bin Mohamad, serta Panglima Armada Barat, Laksamana Madya Dato’ Baharudin bin Wan Md Nor.

Turut hadir Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri Perak, YB Dato’ Ahmad Suaidi bin Abdul Rahim, barisan Orang Besar Negeri, Jawatankuasa Laksamana TLDM, serta ketua-ketua jabatan negeri dan persekutuan.

Lebih 3,000 pengunjung hadir memeriahkan acara, sekali gus mencerminkan sokongan padu masyarakat terhadap TLDM dan peranan strategiknya dalam menjaga kedaulatan perairan negara.

Sebanyak 24 kontinjen telah menyertai perarakan melibatkan TLDM, Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM), Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM), Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia (APMM), Majlis Perbandaran Manjung (MPM), Jabatan Sukarelawan Malaysia (RELA) serta penyertaan komuniti setempat.

Kemeriahan acara turut disemarakkan dengan lintas hormat aset-aset maritim TLDM dan APMM sebagai simbol kekuatan serta kesiapsiagaan pertahanan negara di perairan.

Secara keseluruhannya, Lumut Navy City Parade 2026 bukan sahaja menyemarakkan semangat patriotisme dalam kalangan masyarakat, malah menegaskan komitmen berterusan Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia dalam mempertahankan kedaulatan perairan negara serta memperkukuh hubungan erat antara angkatan tentera dan rakyat.

TIADA WAKIL DARI VETERAN TENTERA LAUT - MVK TIDAK MEWAKILI VETERAN ATM SEPENUHNYA

2026-05-07T00:02:00.000+08:00

𝐌𝐄𝐒𝐘𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐓 𝐌𝐀𝐉𝐋𝐈𝐒 𝐕𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐍 𝐊𝐄𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐍 (𝐌𝐕𝐊) 𝐁𝐈𝐋. 𝟏𝟓/𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝐊𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐀 𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐏𝐔𝐑, 𝟓 𝐌𝐄𝐈 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – Mesyuarat Majlis Veteran Kebangsaan (MVK) Bilangan 15 Tahun 2026 yang dipengerusikan oleh Menteri Pertahanan, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin telah berlangsung dengan jayanya di Bilik Mesyuarat Bunga Raya, Kementerian Pertahanan.

Terdahulu, Menteri Pertahanan merangkap Pengerusi Majlis Veteran Kebangsaan, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin dalam satu acara ringkas telah menyampaikan Sijil Pelantikan kepada ahli-ahli baharu MVK.

Mendahului senarai penerima Sijil Pelantikan adalah Asisten Ketua Staf Perkhidmatan Anggota, YBhg. Mejar Jeneral Dato' Indera Zahari bin Mohd Ariffin sebagai Ahli Tetap MVK dan Presiden Persatuan Veteran ATM (PVATM), YBhg. Kapten Datuk Sharuddin bin Haji Omar (Bersara) sebagai Ahli Lantikan MVK.

Mesyuarat kali ini memberi tumpuan kepada kebajikan warga Veteran ATM serta inisiatif-inisiatif terkini berimpak tinggi seperti mengembangkan peluang pekerjaan dalam sektor awam dan swasta untuk veteran, meningkatkan bantuan kewangan, perubatan, program latihan semula dan lain-lain.

Selaras dengan Pelan Strategik Kementerian Pertahanan, perkara yang di tekankan juga adalah selari dengan pembangunan dasar Malaysia MADANI (Teras Ihsan) untuk kementerian terus berusaha mengenalpasti sebarang peluang yang boleh memanfaatkan veteran dan tanggungan demi memperkasakan agenda kebajikan veteran ATM.

Ianya juga adalah sebahagian daripada beberapa inisiatif MINDEF terkait golongan veteran ATM iaitu Transformasi Kesejahteraan Veteran ATM serta Amanat Tahun Baharu Menteri Pertahanan: 8 Fokus Kementerian Pertahanan; Fokus Ketujuh – Terus Memperkasa Kesejahteraan Veteran ATM Sebagai Penghargaan Jasa dan Pengorbanan Sepanjang Perkhidmatan Mereka.

Turut hadir adalah Timbalan Menteri Pertahanan, YB Adly bin Zahari, Ketua Staf Markas Angkatan Tentera Malaysia, YBhg. Leftenan Jeneral Dato' Seri Haji Muhammad Huzaimi bin Sabri, mewakili YBhg. Jeneral Datuk Haji Malek Razak bin Sulaiman, Panglima Angkatan Tentera, merangkap Ahli Lantikan MVK, Ketua Setiausaha, Kementerian Pertahanan, YBhg. Datuk Lokman Hakim bin Ali merangkap Timbalan Pengerusi Majlis Veteran Kebangsaan, Ketua Pengarah Jabatan Hal Ehwal Veteran (JHEV) ATM, YBhg. Mejar Jeneral Dato’ Haji Semaon bin Haji Marjuki merangkap Setiausaha Majlis Veteran Kebangsaan, Presiden Pengawai - Pengawai Bersara Angkatan Tentera (RAFOC), YBhg. Lt Jeneral Dato' Sri Dr Abdul Aziz bin Ibrahim (Bersara) merangkap Ahli Lantikan MVK, Naib Presiden 1 Persatuan Veteran TUDM, YBhg Mej Jen Dato’ Mudzamir Ong bin Abdullah TUDM (Bersara), merangkap Ahli Lantikan MVK, dan Presiden Persatuan Veteran Angkatan Tentera Tidak Bepencen Malaysia (PVATTBM) merangkap Ahli Lantikan MVK, YBhg. Dato' Haji Ismail bin Haji Abidin.

salam kaut

Nampaknya tiada wakil dari veteran TLDM yang hadir dan tiada juga lantikan oleh Menhan Presiden PVTLDM sebagai ahli MVK.
Persoalannya mengapa tidak di lantik Presiden PVTUDM dan PVTLDM sebagai ahli MVK sebagai menghormati wakil veteran perkhidmatan masing2. Tidakkah menhan sedar bahawa PVTLDM mempunyai keahlian terbesar dalam single service ATM. Kalau beliau tidak boleh menghormati wakil veteran TLDM, maka MVK atau persatuan baru yang di tubuhkan iaitu gabungan Persatuan veteran ATM tidak perlu di adakan. Menhan sebagai penaung veteran ATM , wajar mendengar suara veteran setiap perkhidmatan, melalui wakil veteran persatuan masing2.

Persoalan untuk MVK .

Part II, Seksyen 5 of Akta Veteran 2012

“Anggota Majlis yang dilantik dalam Sub-seksyen 3(2) boleh dibayar apa-apa elaun sebagaimana yang ditentukan oleh Menteri”

Soalan 1 - Adakah Elaun Tersebut Dibayar Secara Tetap Setiap Bulan? Atau Sara Hidup Peribadi Cth Penginapan, Kekacauan, Kadar Perbatuan Apabila Dan Apabila Mesyuarat Berlaku?

soalan 2 - Dari mana Dana tersebut di dapati ? dana Awam Atau Dana Bukan Awam?

Soalan 3 - Berapa jumlah elaun Setiap Wakil? Kadar samarata Untuk Semua, Atau Berdasarkan Pangkat/Pangkat Selepas Bersara?

Adakah Presiden PVTLDM iaitu Kdr B Khairil Hariss tidak dilantik kerana beliau bukan berpangkat Dato yang memegang jawatan Presiden, paling muda, paling konsisten dan progresif dalam menyampaikan suara veteran TLDM dan menukar corak perjuangan yang meminta2 sedekah kepada konsep veteran "blue economy" yang lebih mampan dan ke depan.

DSA26 with NIZRA Group

2026-05-04T14:41:00.010+08:00

Nizra Industries Unveils ARKON AI-Driven C4ISR System at DSA 2026

Kuala Lumpur, 22 April 2026 — Nizra Industries today officially unveiled ARKON, its AI-driven Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) system, at Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2026 in Kuala Lumpur.

ARKON was presented during a live demonstration at the Nizra Industries booth to Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Minister of Defence Malaysia, and Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence.

Developed in Malaysia, ARKON is designed to connect sensors, unmanned systems, personnel, command units and mission assets into a unified, AI-enabled, real-time operational network.

Unlike conventional approaches that focus primarily on hardware platforms, ARKON is built around Nizra Industries’ proprietary software architecture, enabling coordinated integration across multiple operational layers. The system is designed to enhance data fusion, situational awareness and decision support, allowing operators and commanders to act with greater speed, clarity and coordination.

As part of its unveiling at DSA 2026, Nizra Industries is conducting a live demonstration of ARKON, showcasing real-time integration between personnel, UAV platforms and command systems in an operational scenario.

Nik Iruwan, Chief Executive Officer of Nizra Industries, said:

“The future of defence will increasingly be shaped not only by hardware, but by intelligence, integration and the speed of decision-making.

ARKON reflects our belief that modern capability must be built around connected systems that turn data into operational clarity and coordination into decisive action.

This is part of our broader commitment to help strengthen Malaysia’s defence and security capabilities through locally developed, technology-driven solutions.”

ARKON reflects Nizra Industries’ commitment to building advanced, locally developed systems that support the future of sovereign defence capability in Malaysia.

Nation above self: Navy’s first Malaysian Admiral honoured at milestone birthday

2026-04-30T01:19:00.002+08:00

Rear Admiral (Rtd) Tan Sri Dr K Thanabalasingam who turned 90 on March 12, poses with his book The Admiral’s Reflections. - Scoop pic, April 27, 2026

Architect of modern naval defence Rear Admiral (Rtd) Tan Sri K. Thanabalasingam feted by veterans as he turns 90

KLANG — Nearly 300 former naval officers, veterans and their families gathered for a commemorative dinner hosted by the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Veterans Association to honour the first admiral of the RMN, Rear Admiral (Rtd) Tan Sri Dr K Thanabalasingam, on his 90th birthday. Held at a restaurant in Klang, the event paid tribute to Thanabalasingam’s pioneering role in shaping Malaysia’s naval force, with guests spanning generations of servicemen who had served under or alongside him.

The event also coincided with the RMN’s 92nd Anniversary which falls on April 27.

In a nod to naval heritage, each table at the dinner was named after ships from the RMN fleet, including KD Lekir, KD Hang Tuah and KD Kasturi. The VIP table bore the name KD Indera Sakti, a vessel that gained prominence in the late 2000s for its role in safeguarding merchant ships in the Gulf of Aden during the height of Somali piracy.

Thanabalasingam, visibly moved by the turnout, expressed his gratitude to the attendees, many of whom were former colleagues and officers.

“I am deeply touched to see so many familiar faces gathered here tonight,” he said.

In a lighter moment, he drew laughter from the crowd when he quipped that he attributed his longevity to never having married.

Rear Admiral (Rtd) Tan Sri Dr K Thanabalasingam giving his speech at the dinner in his honour. – Scoop pic, April 27, 2026

Born on March 12, 1936 in Kampung Attap, Kuala Lumpur, Thanabalasingam became the first Malaysian to be appointed Admiral of the RMN.

That was in 1967, where at the age of 31 he had the distinction of being the youngest and only non-Bumiputera to hold that position.

“We served our country with pride and distinction,” Thanabalasingam told the audience.

Then he quipped poignantly: “They may have forgotten who we were, but we know who we are.”

“We shall always cherish ourselves as patriots who made the decision very early in our lives, to put country above self,” he said, commanding his men to “maintain comradeship wherever we are”.

Warrant Officer 1 (Retired) Krishna Subrayan who served under Thanabalasingam when the latter was the Resident Navy Officer in Tawau said his former Boss was strict but fair, treating all his men equally.

“He was colour-blind,” he said, explaining that despite being an ethnic minority in the navy, Thanabalasingam never demonstrated favouritism towards other minorities.

“He is a Jack-of-all-trades and an expert in underwater missiles. He knew everything about a ship and naval warfare,” he said, alluding to Thanabalasingam’s fast rise in the ranks.

Rear Admiral (Rtd) Tan Sri Dr K Thanabalasingam cuts his 90th birthday cake.– Scoop pic, April 27, 2026

Chairman of the Organising Committee Capt (Rtd) Martin Sebastian said Thanabalasingam deserved appreciation as the chief architect of the country’s modern maritime defence.

“He gave everything to the navy even after his compulsory retirement. He continues to write in the media on Maritime Security and his expertise is still appreciated.

“I am happy that some of the guests brought their children with them. Future generations need to know about the contributions and sacrifices of those who helped in nation building,” Sebastian said.

The evening also featured his book, The Admiral’s Reflections, a compilation of his personal experiences and insights from his years of service in the navy.

Widely regarded as a key architect of the country’s modern naval defence, Thanabalasingam is credited with laying the groundwork for its development, including the establishment of the Lumut Naval Base, which remains a cornerstone of Malaysia’s maritime defence infrastructure.

Rear Admiral (Rtd) Tan Sri Dr K Thanabalasingam (in white batik, second from right) and Organisating Committee Chairman Capt (Rtd) Martin Sebastian (right) standing at attention to the navy song “Samudera Raya”. – Scoop pic, April 27, 2026

Thanabalasingam spoke of the significance of why the dinner was held in Klang.

“When we were ordered to vacate our base in Singapore, Port Klang was the first political choice.

“I was not in favour of it due to the commercial aspects of it and the fact that Port Klang’s growth will eventually hinder our base expansion.

“Eventually, on my advice, the Government agreed for Lumut to become our principal Naval Base,” he said.

“Look at us today. We have made Lumut Naval Base something to be proud of and a good springboard for operations in the Andaman and Indian Ocean.” – April 27, 2026

Editor’s note: The book can be purchased by contacting Lt. Rashwin at 011-10818990

VETERAN MAF - PVATM , GABUNGAN PERSATUAN VETERAN ATM

2026-04-30T01:04:00.003+08:00

SIAPA Veteran Malaysia?

Berdasarkan Akta Veteran Angkatan Tentera 2012 (Akta 740), gelaran Veteran di Malaysia secara undang-undang khusus merujuk kepada warganegara Malaysia yang pernah berkhidmat sepenuh masa dalam Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) dan diberhentikan secara sah.

Siapa yang Layak:

* Bekas anggota tetap ATM.

* Bekas anggota sukarela yang dikerah sepenuh masa oleh ATM.

* Bekas anggota Force 136.

* Bekas tentera British yang berkhidmat di Malaya, Malaysia, atau Singapura.

* Bekas Sarawak Rangers.  

Syarat Kelayakan:

1. Diberhentikan secara sah: Tamat tempoh perkhidmatan (TTP), tamat jaminan perkhidmatan (TJP), atau bersara dengan baik.

2. Bukan kesalahan disiplin: Mereka yang dibuang kerana kesalahan disiplin berat tidak layak diiktiraf sebagai veteran rasmi.

Kategori Veteran di Malaysia:

* Veteran Berpencen: Telah berkhidmat dalam tempoh yang melayakkan (biasanya 20-21 tahun).

* Veteran Tidak Berpencen: Berhenti awal (kontrak tamat/berhenti dengan baik) tanpa pencen perkhidmatan.

* Veteran Kurang Upaya: Anggota yang bersara atas sebab kesihatan.

Istilah "Veteran" ini tidak terpakai kepada pesara perkhidmatan awam lain (guru, polis, dll) di bawah undang-undang ini, sebaliknya khusus untuk bekas anggota tentera.

Veteran Adalah Semata-Mata Untuk Kakitangan Tentera. Agensi Kerajaan Tidak Boleh Diberikan Status Veteran. Walau Bagaimanapun, Bekas Anggota Tentera Yang Menyertai Agensi Masih Diklasifikasikan Sebagai Veteran contohnya anggota APMM.

APMM VETERAN Launching ceremony

Gabungan Persatuan Veteran

Berkenaan Dengan organisasi Baharu ini , Setakat Ini Beberapa Maklumat masih Longgar dan belum di kongsi.

Soalan Yang Timbul:

1) Adakah GPV Persatuan Seperti RMNOA - sebuah kelab dalam persatuan?

2) Adakah GPV akan Berdaftar Secara Rasmi Dengan JHEV.

3) Adakah Perhimpunan Di Banggi Baru-Baru Ini Merupakan perjumpaan Yang Julung Kali Diadakan antara berbelas Persatuan dan kelab veteran ATM.

4) Pengumuman Jawatan Tertinggi Baru-Baru Ini Dipilih oleh wakil-wakil Persatuan.

5) Keahlian Adalah Secara Langsung Atau Oleh Organisasi masih belum diputuskan.

Apakah Visi, Matlamat, Objektif, Misi (Tugas & Tujuan) Yang Ditetapkan , masih lagi di tangan AJK baru dilantik.

JHEV Tidak Mahu Berurusan Dengan beratus Persatuan Veteran Secara Langsung Dan Gabungan Adalah Jawatankuasa Yang Mewakili Semua Veteran Dalam Berurusan Dengan Jhev. Jawatankuasa Pro Temp Telah Dibentuk Oleh JHEV.

Gabungan Adalah Sebuah Jawatankuasa Dan Bukan Sebuah Organisasi.

Gabungan Akan Menjadi Suara Tunggal Yang Diselaraskan Dalam Isu-Isu Yang Berkaitan Dengan Kepentingan Veteran.

Seperti Yang Kita Sedia Maklum, Majlis Veteran Kebangsaan (MVK) Telah Ditubuhkan Hasil Daripada Pelaksanaan Akta Veteran 2012. Menhan Adalah Pengerusinya.

Dalam Mesyuaratnya Tahun Lepas, Salah Satu Agenda Yang Dibincangkan Dan Diluluskan Ialah Penubuhan Majlis Tertinggi Gabungan Persatuan Veteran Atm.

Idea Ini Sebenarnya Ditimbulkan Oleh Golongan Veteran Sendiri. Ia Bermula Dengan PVATM, RAFOC (Kedua-Duanya Ahli MVK) Dan Beberapa Persatuan Lain Dan Mereka Telah Mengadakan Beberapa Mesyuarat Gabungan Sebelum Idea Itu Dikemukakan Kepada MVK.

Terdahulu Sebelum Idea Gabungan Dicetuskan, Terdapat Sekumpulan Veteran Yang Dikenali Sebagai "Suara Veteran SV)". Kumpulan Ini Kebanyakannya Terdiri Daripada Veteran Tentera Udara Yang Diketuai Oleh Bgd Abdullah, Yang Ketika Itu Merupakan SUK Kepada PVTUDM. Beliau Mempunyai Dua Peguam, Lt Kol Jalil Dan Mej Mior Dalam Jawatankuasanya.

Bagaimanapun, SV Tidak Diiktiraf Oleh JHEV Kerana Bertindak Seperti Kumpulan Pendesak Terhadap Kerajaan. Mereka Tidak sesuai Dalam Ekosistem Veteran.

Namun Begitu, SV mempunyai Sedikit Sebanyak jasa kepada veteran. Mereka Telah Membawa Isu Veteran ATM Ke Peringkat Yang Lebih Tinggi. Tiada Siapa Yang Mengendahkan Mereka Kerana Ia Bukan Badan Yang diikhtiraf dan Yang Dibenarkan Oleh JHEV. Gabungan, Adalah Metafora Untuk SV.

Gabungan tersusun dengan baik.

Ia diketuai oleh seorang presiden dan dibantu oleh seorang timbalan presiden.

Terdapat tiga VP, tentera darat, tentera laut dan tentera udara. Sebanyak 20 ajk lain telah diperbadankan.

Dalam keputusan undian semalam, Presiden PVATM, Kapt Dato Sharudin telah dipilih sebagai Presiden. Dia menewaskan DS Aziz, yang merupakan Presiden RAFOC dengan kira-kira 100 undi. Ds merupakan pengerusi protem yang dilantik oleh JHEV sejak tahun lepas. Kekalahan ini adalah pukulan hebat kepada protem yang disenangi JHEV.

Timbalan Presiden pula dimenangi dari PVTLDM , iaitu Dato Musa Omar.

SIAPA GABUNGAN

1. Ia adalah satu-satunya platform utama untuk veteran bersuara. Pada masa lalu, JHEV atau PVATM perlu memanggil wakil daripada semua persatuan yang berdaftar untuk berkumpul (dalam format persidangan meja bulat) untuk mendapatkan resolusi tertentu untuk penyerahan ke peringkat lebih tinggi.

Yang pertama ialah perumusan blue print veteran , yang diterima pakai oleh JHEV/ mindef.

Selepas itu, terdapat beberapa lagi dialog/persidangan besar yang akan dipanggil oleh JHEV .

2. Bantu persatuan veteran yang lebih kecil untuk meningkatkan kecekapan mereka.

3. Tingkatkan usaha dalam meningkatkan kerja-kerja kebajikan.

4. Menyebarkan secara berkesan program kerajaan untuk veteran.

5. Bertindak sebagai ejen untuk menyatukan persatuan veteran.

Sebagai kesimpulan, saya tidak nampak mudaratnya , sebaliknya, semua faedah yang akan datang sepanjang perjalanan.

Persoalan mengapa terlalu banyak persatuan dan hampir kebanyakkannya tidak aktif.

Adakah akaun mereka di audit setiap tahun.

adakah mereka menghantar laporan kepada JHEV.

Jika jawapannya TIDAK maka tidak hairanlah banyak Persatuan di tubuhkan.

Perkara 05 Adalah Tidak Perlu Kerana Ia Bukan Sahaja Berlebihan Tetapi Akan Merampas Kuasa Dan Kapasiti PVATM Pusat. Perkara 05 Ini Hendaklah Diubah Supaya Berbunyi:”Perwakilan Dalam Majlis Veteran Kebangsaan (MVK) Untuk Mengetengahkan Perjuangan Veteran”.

Seterusnya, Akta Veteran 2012 Mesti Dipatuhi. Akta Veteran 2012, Bahagian 11, Seksyen 3, Sub-Seksyen 3(2)(E) Memperuntukkan Bahawa Keahlian Majlis Veteran Kebangsaan (MVK), Yang Diketuai Oleh Menteri Pertahanan, Hendaklah Termasuk Sekurang-Kurangnya Dua (2) Tetapi Tidak Lebih Daripada Lima (5) “Veteran”. Oleh Itu, Lima (5) Bilet Ahli Ini Hendaklah Diisi Oleh Presiden (1) PVATM Pusat (2) PVTDM Pusat (3) PVTLDM Pusat (4) PVTUDM Pusat, Dan (5) Setiausaha PVATM Pusat. Kelima-Lima AJK Ini Akan Menjadi Penggerak Untuk Menuntut Kepentingan Veteran.

There have been cases when JHEV, which comprise serving MAF officers, side with the Government/Defence Minister against the veterans’ interest. These five veteran members in the MVK shall counter.

Buat masa ini MVK Terdiri Daripada 4 Ahli Tetap Dan 5 Ahli Dilantik.

Ahli Tetap:

1. Menhan (Pengerusi)

2. Ksu (Kerusi Dy)

3. Aks Pa

4. Kp Jhev (Sek)

Ahli Yang Dilantik:

1. Pat

2. Pres RAFOC

3. Pres PVATM

4. Dy Pres PVTUDM

5. PVATTBM (Tak Berpencen)

Semua Ahli Yang Dilantik Hendaklah Datang Daripada Persatuan Veteran.

Tertanya-Tanya Mengapa PAT Menduduki Bilet Yang Dilantik?

The appointment of PAT in the MVK is illegal and contravene Akta Veteran 2012 which explicitly states all the five members shall be “veterans” whereas PAT is a serving officer!

YANG PENTING

TIDAK AKAN ADA TIN MILO DI EDARKAN DI SEKOLAH DAN SURAU UNTUK MEMINTA SEDEKAH UNTUK KEPERLUAN PERWIRA NEGARA

MINDEF PROCUREMENT AND THE INTEGRITY AROUND IT. MALAYSIA SEAPOWER

2026-04-29T23:46:00.000+08:00

We are comfortably in denial of the fact that most defence contracts are simply enrichment schemes with post retirement benefits. The divide and rule principle has reached the climax. No argument on this.

The deafening silence of the realms is a constant testimony to the state of affairs. We have become a laughing stock in the region for force planning and capability enhancement. Nothing can save us now. We just continue being the pendulum in global affairs and pretend the problem will not reach us. Meanwhile, with only 35 million population dependent on foreign workers, we have no say in International Relations and are hostages to regional powers. They will politically intimidate us and take sovereign territory in time to come.

Truth be told. Time to relax and enjoy the remaining years…maintain camaraderie and praise yourself for the cherished Service to King and Country.

We are ahead of ‘Laos’! Maybe!! Others in ASEAN, not even closed on Defence Strength and capabilities.!! Real Sad!!

What is the use of white paper or any strategy for that matter if not in control of assets (weapon platforms).

Already a decade past and planned and procured assets still have not passed the construction stage

What is the “ideal” force level for the MAF, particularly for the Navy, based on valid “threat perception” and taking into account the RMA brought about by advanced military technology? What is the current defence shortfall (risk factor) based on current “available” force level? and how does this risk gap is managed? Is the current force structure development plan commensurably aimed at closing this risk gap, or the Government simply pick and choose on ad-hoc basis to quickly enrich some? What are the true constraints in these development? Is it technological, financial, man power resources or structural procurement system? We are not sure. Perhaps the Navy think thank knows best these challenges.

The RMNOA & RMN SEAPOWER CENTER are in a position to institute a Think Tank Group to propose the Strategic Proposals to the country...Any takers to take the lead?

“Sources” of Sea Power

(1) A maritime community

(2) Resources

(3) Styles of government, and

(4) Geography and geopolitics.

“Elements” of Sea Power

(1) Shipping

(2) Bases, and

(3) The fighting instrument (ie the Navy viz the sharpest end of Sea Power. My view - the main culprit that stunts Malaysia’s Sea Power is “The style of government” whose law makers could not perceive these sources and elements, what more how to synergies them, beyond discussing the trivial eg prices of chicken eggs, collapsing bridges, road repairs, etc

The parade ground on the Navy Day reflects “a maritime community” which the Government must continue to develop right from school age through structured plan and development.

Briefly, by “maritime community” is meant the pool of people who man the Navy, merchant marine and other sea-oriented entities particularly those in the off-shore labyrinth and fishing fleet. In Malaysia, this would include those manning the para-military APMM, marine police, marine department, fishery department, the custom and immigration, etc. Why this community constitutes an important source of Sea Power is because they are interdependent, mutually supporting and mutually influencing in the Sea Power development. The merchant marine brings wealth through trade, given 90% of Malaysia’s trade is sea-borne in nature. Such wealth, in part, is needed to finance and develop a powerful Navy, being the fighting instrument and sharpest end of Sea Power. For this reason, a credible Sea Power hinges not only on developing a powerful Navy but also a strong commercial shipping industry that supports it. In turn, the Navy must protect the merchant marine in peace time and more so in war. The importance of merchant marine, thus sea-borne trade, is evident in the crippling of Venezuela, Cuba and Iran of their Sea Power by the US Navy blockades. Merchant mariners not only play the role of bringing wealth necessary for Navy, thus Sea Power, development. In the 1982 Falklands War, the UK Government requisitioned 64 commercial ships (Ships Taken Up From Trade - STUFT) in the war for various auxiliary roles.

The same can be said on the wealth-bringing off-shore labyrinth (oil and gas fields) vis-a-vis the Navy it helps develop. In turn, the Navy provides security for their operations.

Though insignificant it may seem, the fishing fleet provides an important reservoir of seamen. When the crunch comes and the Navy badly needs civilians to augment the ship crew, twenty land lubber taxi drivers from KL will be no match to one weather bitten fishermen from Pangkor to do the job - a special breed of seamen of the maritime community.

from RMNOA Think Tank

https://www.instagram.com/p/DXqIYJ_Em1L/

DEFENCE EXPERTS WARN OF FITNESS TRACKER RISKS IN SINGAPORE MILITARY BASES AMID GLOBAL STRAVA BREACHES

2026-04-29T23:23:00.003+08:00

Fabian Koh

The Ministry of Defence says it is aware of the risks and will implement security measures when needed.

Singapore's military installations can be seen on Strava's global heatmap, such as Sungei Gedong Camp (left) and Changi Naval Base (right).

SINGAPORE: Fitness tracking apps like Strava could pose security risks in Singapore's military bases – not by revealing their locations, but by exposing the daily routines and movement patterns of personnel inside, defence observers have warned.

Their caution comes as a series of high-profile breaches overseas have put such apps under scrutiny. In March, a French aircraft carrier had its exact location revealed after an officer onboard logged a run on Strava. Earlier this month, British soldiers gave away their positions inside one of their country's most sensitive nuclear bases by posting their runs on the app

A check by CNA showed that paths within military installations here, including Sungei Gedong Camp, Changi Naval Base and Sembawang Air Base, appear on Strava's global heatmap.

In a highly urbanised and compact environment like Singapore, many military installations are already generally known or inferable from open sources, said Associate Professor Razwana Begum, head of global security and strategy at the Singapore University of Social Sciences.

The real danger, she said, lies elsewhere.

“In Singapore, the risk is not primarily about revealing locations, but about exposing patterns and behaviours within and around installations,” she said.

NO ADDED SECURITY RISKS: MINDEF

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said it is aware of the risks and will act when needed.

In response to questions from CNA, a spokesman said that the ministry and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) are "mindful that the technology for fitness trackers evolves with the addition of more sophisticated tools".

“We are monitoring these developments and will, when required, institute appropriate measures to maintain the security of operations and training,” said the spokesman.

Servicemen told CNA that Strava remains widely used in military bases here. A full-time national serviceman posted to an airbase said no formal orders have been issued against using the app onsite, though servicemen are advised against it – and told to keep posts private if they do use it.

A national serviceman who does his reservist in an army base said most servicemen are not worried about security risks in using the app, with a sense that military areas in Singapore are already marked and known. Unlike rules governing camera phones, no formal guidelines govern the use of fitness tracking apps such as Strava, he said.

EXPOSING BROADER PATTERNS

Most modern militaries, including the SAF, have settled on risk-managed use rather than outright bans of fitness tracking apps, said Mr Ridzwan Rahmat, principal defence analyst at defence consultancy Janes.

Restrictions are typically imposed during classified or sensitive exercises, overseas operations or training where movement patterns could matter operationally, he added.

Still, experts said that risks should not be dismissed. "Pattern-of-life exposure" such as repeated runs, walks and patrols can reveal daily routines and frequency of movement – and pinpoint frequently used internal roads, facility perimeters and routine movement areas inside an installation, said Mr Ridzwan.

“Publicly available data can reveal patterns of life such as the number of personnel in an area, their activity level, and fitness profile that may seem harmless as an individual data set,” said defence observer David Boey, a former member of MINDEF’s Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence.

“However, such data can represent another piece of the jigsaw that observers compile for a more complete picture of activities inside a military installation.”

Taken as a whole, such open-source intelligence can be exploited by hostile intelligence services and potential terror threats, said Dr Ong Weichong from the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies' National Security Studies Programme.

Assoc Prof Razwana added that potential adversaries – including terrorist, extremist and organised crime groups – may exploit such insights to identify security vulnerabilities.

Mr Boey pointed to Jemaah Islamiyah, which conducted reconnaissance here over two decades ago using far simpler tools.

“Their videos of possible targets pre-dated today’s social media channels and lifestyle apps, whose reach and pervasiveness are likely to be obvious to like-minded non-state actors who may be mulling similar actions,” he said.

Mr Ridzwan acknowledged that Singapore's context differs materially, with most military installations already visible and well-mapped via open-source imagery – but cautioned that "low risk" does not mean "no risk".

Singapore should keep its guard up, particularly given the "prevailing global geopolitical situation", Mr Boey added.

WHAT CAN SERVICEMEN DO

Servicemen have a role to play in using such apps responsibly, observers said.

Assoc Prof Razwana said they should adopt a privacy-by-default approach: setting activities to private, using features that hide start and end points, and disabling GPS and geolocation services to prevent automatic syncing of activity data.

Mr Ridzwan added that servicemen should avoid naming posts, sharing photos or making comments that could identify or link them to their work locations.

Assoc Prof Razwana also agreed with MINDEF's approach of continuously assessing emerging technologies, including wearables and AI tracking tools, and updating policies accordingly.

The SAF is believed to actively monitor its online footprint around the clock, said Mr Boey.

“These cyber defenders would help MINDEF/SAF detect, track and localise instances when Strava-type situations may compromise Singapore’s security posture. Digital forensics can then recommend follow-on action to plug any leaks,” he said.

Mr Boey noted that some SAF personnel appear to have scenic running routes – through forested areas on the eastern side of Paya Lebar Air Base and along the breakwater at Changi Naval Base – that are visible on Strava heatmaps.

That photos of such routes have not surfaced via unsanctioned channels suggests personnel are broadly aware of digital dos and don'ts, he said.

Still, Strava's social dimension may work against good security habits.

“It is not intuitive to set activities to ‘Only me’ when the device or app is meant to showcase development or progress in certain activities and affirmation from others necessary to sustain the habit or activity,” said Assoc Prof Razwana.

Source: CNA/fk(cy)

DSA 2026 -

2026-04-29T23:07:00.000+08:00

Jeyaganesh Gopalsamy

Now that the DSA 2026 is over, what are the key take aways of the show, from my lense:-

1) The organisers claimed a total of RM 3.54 Bil worth of deals were concluded. Among them 12 (contracts), 4 x Letter of Intent and 6 x Industrial Collaboration Program(ICP). Hence devoid of any major "big ticket" items. Hopefully the above are not "recycled" deals from LIMA 2025 or even DSA 2024.

2) Based on my chats with some "like minded" people be it from the Ministry, Military, Journals or mere enthusiast like me. The elephant in the room seems to be the SPH, Towed Artillery, AV4, and AV6.

3) The Mildef AV4 worth RM 1.2 bil for 136 vehicles were supposed to be inked, as the LOI, was already issued last year. Whereas the contention between CSG's EVA and KDNS Caesar for 155mm SPH seems to be illusive, albeit rumour of the contract already awarded.

The much needed AV6 to replace the Sibmas and beef up some of the void left by AV8 Gempita seems to be anyone's guess. (Side Note: We tend to champion 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 for such a small standing Army with miniscule budget. Whereas advance nation has ditched the Medium Armour (6x6) for a well balanced 4x4 (light) and 8x8 (heavy) composition.

4) Adnan and MICV upgrade, the 2024 DSA was filled with this theme, with "pretenders" of Defence Industries pitching for the upgrade. However rumours has it, that only MICV (formerly Daewoo KIFV), would be considered for upgrade. One must understand that ADNAN is more modern with Advance Fire Control Solution, entered service at least a decade after KIFV and more importantly fielded in large numbers (224).

The rationale to upgrade an assets that seem to have more service life left, as opposed to a relic seems to be lost with the Army and powers to be.

Despite both Adnan and KIFV sharing its DNA to the proliferated and proven M113. Even the much needed announcement whether MICV or Adnan is going to be upgraded, the silence seems to be deafening.

5) Naval segment, the euphoria of LMSB2 and MRSS can be felt during DSA 2026. With shipyards from Italy, France, China, Korea and Turkey joining the fray for the coveted contract. However with user requirement blurry and incoherent budgeting details, the confusion could be seen in the models proposed. From Light carrier masqueraded as MRSS to Commercial Hull pitched as LPD, I don't blame the OEMs, as its free for all.

6) Unmanned Systems, AI, Robotics...appears to be the buzz words. With some showcasing the deadly Shahed 136 look alike as a "home grown" Loitering Munition to Multi media practitioner without understanding the concept of "Time Sensitive Targeting" talking about AI.

The cluelessness could be gauged as soon as they open their mouth. A simple questions of "Targeting solution" based on multiple sensors , what are the algorithms used for priority Targeting....would draw a blank look from the presenter....well at least, that's what the bespoke dressed local player appeared to me.

7) Airpower, called me biased due to my altered ego as Lord Flashheart of Blackadder. However the Air Force seems to be spot on. We saw the serial No 001 FA-50 with Chief of Air Staff proudly standing beside it. The MPA is on schedule, ANKA is operational, AW149 (medium lift)due for leasing, Air Defence Radar in progress. The razor focus of RMAF and their transparency can be seen with their RFI for MERAD. The OEM is clear and based on my conversation with the Chinese, Russian, Korean and European, unanimously agreed they are clear of "what expected of them, based on the Air Staff Requirement". One could witness the sync in the OEM display for Medium Range Air Defence, KM-SAM II, HQ9 and S300....no S400, Thaad, Pac 3, unlike other service where variation could be daunting.

There is no guessing like other service, where anything goes. I even saw Hyundai Wia displaying a mounted 105mm Howitzers, how wild is that or was it an insult to our requirements for 155mm SPH. With the absence of airtight specification and requirement is speculative.

Largest number of agricultural entities participation in DSA. As someone who participated for this event since 1998, its shows the dilution of its core business. While one can argue the "agricultural aspect", is only to comply ICP. My question, are we dearth of local defence SMEs for direct offset in defense, that we need to satisfy indirect Offset, agriculturally.

9) Finally the statement from the Ministers themselves to use "future superlative" of 2030. What happened to "localisation of at least 80% by 2020" based on the resolution adopted by Mides in 1990s. I guess its must be somewhere in the "dustbin", only for politicians to come up with a new vision. With intermittent gap in the policy for pursuit of "self indulgence" rather "self reliance", its back to square one.

10) Assymetrical warfare, well it maybe a jargon given by either MIDAS or some officers who just completed his/her MTAT/MPAT/KETAHANAN thesis on the subject matter. One must understand that Iran employment of such "strategy", was not based on lip service but decades of understanding the complexities of warfare subject to their own limitations to draw the maximum yield cognizant of their own weakness.

We have not reached that level of maturity or austerity to adapt "asymmetric" in a span of two weeks. Yes one may look intellectual but if someone press you further on the "multiple dimensions of Assymetrical warfare and its lexicon to technology", you might be a laughing stock.

Conclusion.

The words of Shakespeare "much ado about nothing", is apt to denote the show. We must understand OEMs spent their time, effort and resources to showcase their "toys", the least we can do is be "coherent" about our planning or at least what we are going to "procure".

With nation states around the periphery "enhancing their defence capabilities with bigger budget". It's only a matter of time before our defence show loses its luster.

Those in the corridors of power for the defence of the realm have to be straightforward, direct and above all...honest about what they want.

The days of "Generals, with gorged and ceremonial medals trying to hoodwink or intimidate the people are over.....now a young 16 year old gamer could could conduct "table top" exercise on computers with ease, while simulating an Alpha Strike...

The state of our military is more pomp and pageantry without the punch.

Disappointed....very disappointed....

2026-04-16T17:01:00.002+08:00

NIZRA INDUSTRIES is proud to participate in DSA 2026 and NATSEC Asia 2026.

More than an exhibition, this is a statement of intent as we continue to build credible, technology-driven capabilities across land, air, sea and cyber.

20–23 April 2026

MITEC, Kuala Lumpur

Hall 7, Level 2, Booth 7730 (beside Airbus)

See you there!

Strait of Malacca: The Silent Lifeline of Global Trade

2026-04-16T05:00:00.000+08:00

After hibernate for 2 years, here I am, at 4 am , thinking of my hobby ; reading and writing. life is full of challenging and most of us read and write are the luxury of time with no monetary benefit, so we leave them during time of crisis.

I missed a lot, Ukraine war, SUMUD Flotilla, Trump as president, PMX, Turkey connection and now Israhell US and Iran war. Oh PTD & PAT saga.

We will catch up later.

now lets talk about "canal of fortune "

Strait of Malacca: The Silent Lifeline of Global Trade

The Strait of Hormuz is often prioritized with a "protect at all costs" mentality because it is regarded as the world's most critical energy chokepoint, with no easy alternative routes for oil exporting nations.

In contrast, the Strait of Malacca is protected differently—not through a single, aggressive international military umbrella, but through a combination of regional cooperation

The Strait of Hormuz is often described as the world’s most important energy transit point, while the Strait of Malacca, connecting the Indian and Pacific oceans, functions as a crucial link between resource exporters and manufacturing hubs.

Two straits. Both critical. One heavily secured... the other, dangerously exposed.

~25–30% of global trade passes through
Energy flow from Middle East to Asia
77,000 vessel passed tru Malacca Strait annually

The Strait of Malacca carries the economic lifeline of Asia — including Malaysia itself.

THREATS & VULNERABILITIES

Piracy / illegal fishing / smuggling / intrusion simulation
Blind spots in surveillance

Highlight:

Congestion
Limited integrated surveillance
Dependency on fragmented systems

Malaysia is not just a coastal state — we are the gatekeeper.

If Malaysia having any crisis with US or China or Singapore ( seems impossible) can we close the Malacca Strait?

Closing the Strait of Malacca—a vital artery carrying 40% of global trade and 30% of oil—would trigger an immediate global economic crisis, skyrocketing shipping insurance costs, and severe energy shortages for East Asian nations. It would essentially sever China's primary energy lifeline, forcing shipping to take longer, more expensive routes, such as the Indonesian straits or around Australia.

Key consequences of closing the Strait of Malacca:

Global Economic Shock: As a premier maritime choke point, disruption here would immediately surge oil prices and disrupt supply chains for goods passing between the Middle East/Europe and East Asia.
"Malacca Dilemma" Activated: China, which relies on this route for up to 80% of its oil imports, would face a strategic nightmare, threatening its economic stability and forcing the use of long-term, expensive alternatives.
Maritime Rerouting: Shipping would have to divert to the Sunda Strait (shallower) or the Lombok/Makassar Straits (significantly longer), causing massive delays.
Geopolitical Crisis: Such a move would draw in major powers like the US, China, and India, potentially leading to military confrontation to secure passage.
Limited Autonomy: Because the strait is a shared waterway managed by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore, a unilateral closure by Malaysia is likely impossible without cooperation from neighboring nations.

If such a scenario occurred, maritime traffic would immediately look for alternatives like the Indonesian routes or potentially a Thailand Kra Canal if it were built, though currently, these are not fully viable substitutes.

Security is not where the threat is visible, It is where the impact will be greatest

BATU PUTIH

2024-01-27T12:31:00.002+08:00

Hi readers

Not too late to wish you all happy welcoming 2024. May this year we will be blessed with healthy life and peaceful mind .

I choose this topic as it was close to my job in defense industry.

From Prof Dr Ramasamy

Why RCI on Batu Putih?

I am not exactly clear why the government has to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on the sovereignity of the islands of Batu Putih, Middle Rocks and Southern Ledge, off the coast of Johore.

I thought the sovereignty of the three islands were settled when the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in May 2008 decided to recognise Batu Putih belonging to Singapore, Middle Rocks to Malaysia and the Sothern Ledge to the territorial waters of the country in which it was situated.

Under the government of Najib Razak there was an attempt to appeal the decision of the ICJ in 2017, I understand an hastily prepared application ostensibly based on fresh evidence.

But unfortunately, when Dr Mahathir Mohammed became the prime minister in 2018, the appeal was withdrawn on the grounds of lacking merit. Moreover, the cost of the appeal would have been financially burdensome.

Subsequently, given the Sultan of Johor’s unhappiness over the sovereignty question of Batu Putih and the adjacent islands, a task force was set up to re-examine the sovereignty of these islands.

However, given the difficulty of retracting information pertaining to the sovereignty, the task force has been abandoned. In place, the Madani government has agreed for a RCI on the islands.

I am not sure about the terms of the reference of the RCI whose members are still to be named by the Yang Dipertuan Agong. Perhaps the formation of the RCI is still at the initial stage to read too much into it.

The RCI might be better framework to examine the events that led to Malaysia’s loss of sovereignty over Batu Putih.

The RCI could also explain the nature of the appeal and what were the new sources of information that constituted the basis of the appeal.

Why did the government of Mahathir withdrew the appeal and what were the reasons given to say that the appeal would not stand a chance in the ICJ.

I don’t think that the RCI is meant for Malaysia to reassert its sovereignty over the Batu Putih.

I believe that a diplomatic and bilateral approach should be pursued for the eventual reassertion of sovereignty.

The decision made by the ICJ in 2008 was the final. Even the appeal in 2017 somewhat late given the decision was made in 2008.

What will be interesting to know whether the RCI will look into the following areas.

First, why in the first place Malaysia lost its sovereignty over Batu Putih and why Singapore emerged the winner.

Second, what was the nature of the appeal in 2017 and the grounds for this.

Third, was Mahathir right in withdrawing the appeal. Shouldn’t he have had left the decision to the ICJ? Was this an example of naivety or arrogance of power, or both?

Fourth, why was the task force formed and abandoned? Was it formed with the intention to shift the blame on the former attorney general Tommy Thomas and the former prime minister, Mahathir on why Malaysia lost its sovereignty over the island?

Fifth, the RCI as a mechanism to gather information on Malaysia’s quest for sovereignty is fine, but whether it could overturn the decision of the ICJ might be non-starter. It is not that Malaysia should say goodbye to its claim over the sovereignty of Batu Putih as other channels should be used to pursue the long term goal of sovereignty.

I am all for RCI on Batu Putih if such an effort lays the foundation of an eventual diplomatic settlement of sovereignty in favour of Malaysia.

From Captain Syed Sharom RMN, he said

My take. Malaysia needs to consider how much of its maritime interest is lost or jeopardised resulting from Singapore’s sovereignty over Pu Batu Putih. To my mind Malaysia has lost almost nothing except (1) a small Singapore territorial water around the lighthouse whose area would be much shrunk as it is sandwiched by and overlaps with Malaysia’ territorial water (MTW) off south Johore as well as that of Middle Ledge, and (2) the “light and buoy” dues from ships passing by the lighthouse is now payable to Singapore Port Authority not to Malaysia. I think Singapore’s original aim of acquiring sovereignty over Pu Batu Puteh was to acquire a huge chunk of EEZ extending eastward over the South China Sea that could have stemmed from its territorial waters around the lighthouse. Alas, that aim is doomed because similar MTW and EEZ emanating from Middle Ledge, barely two cables to the south of the lighthouse which the ICJ had awarded as belonging to Malaysia, would negate such Singapore’s EEZ aspiration. So, what Malaysia needs to do is fortify its assertion of sovereignty over Middle Ledge and lose nothing. Malaysia loses on “light and buoy” dues from the lighthouse but it saves a lot of money for not having to maintain the lighthouse. The planned RCI would be a waste of effort for it might have a hidden agenda of unnecessary witch hunting.

From our friend Lone Wolf

Pu Batu Putih is strategic to Singapore in extending shipping surveillance and proof of usefulness of Singapore to her allies, most notably the US as an added value to her importance. Looking at the installation even just from outside could gauge the resources required and maintenance over the years of which, nothing on Middle Rock could compare. Seriously? Want to take back Pu Batu Putih?

And what do you think??

I hope to get some comment from #Singaporean

This letter kill Malaysia chances in PBB

Destini's failed OPV Project and Boustead's failed LCS Project

2022-03-08T16:41:00.000+08:00

Everybody is talking about Boustead Holdings, BHIC and Boustead Naval Shipyard on the devastating failure in the construction of the 6 LCS ships, worth RM6 Billion. It is all over the news. However, investors and public are not aware of the other RM1 Billion ship construction project failure involving Destini Berhad, Destini Shipbuilding and Engineering Sdn Bhd and THHE-Destini Sdn Bhd. Destini has failed to deliver its NGPC Number 6 ship, after the government has bent over backwards to accept 5 x NGPCs with significant problems. Now a larger problem is being faced for their 3 x OPV ships; the OPV1 was supposed to be delivered in Feb 2020, OPV2 in May 2020 and OPV3 in Aug 2020. All are late, due to mismanagement of funds at Destini Berhad. Similar case like LCS, funds are taken out by the Top Bosses for own agenda and the blame continues to be given as "donations to political parties and politicians". Come to think about it, it is true as they are “politicians”, so they remove the funds for themselves.

Genuine vendors continue to suffer, and many at the brink of bankruptcy. Investors like me and my colleagues are cheated many folds, when correct news are not being shared to/among us. Why many folds? Simple examples as follow. Investors invest in the shares of Destini and Boustead, faced mismanagement of funds by unscrupulous Top Management. Investors invest in the vendors, get screwed by the same Top Management, vendors either don’t get paid or paid very late or suffer massive additional costs due to late payment by the shipyards as the main-contractors. Please bear in mind in both cases of Boustead and Destini, Government has paid them promptly. In fact, Government has been questioned on possibility of over-payment. The fact still remain that the hundreds of vendors still face payment issues, albeit “friendly crony” vendors gets paid handsomely and on time. The middle management of both organisations enjoy fat salary for being fat, dumb and happy.. not doing anything under the pretext that the project is at standstill due to insufficient funds.

To make matters worse, both Boustead and Destini are asking for capital injection, Extension of Time and excused from paying Liquidated Damages. Who gets to gain? Obviously the Top Management who will continue to behave the same whilst the vendors will continue to be screwed. Government continues to be blamed and screwed by the same “selfish individuals” having to fork out more money,that belongs to the public. Ultimately, innocent Malaysian citizens also get screwed. From history, what is the guarantee that these “selfish individuals” would actually complete the project? Why should they be given more chances when other shipyards and organizations have been chasing for their first opportunity but never given.

The shit hit the fan when MSM took Boustead for winding-up of Boustead Naval Shipyard, having exhausted all means of discussion. https://www.klsescreener.com/v2/announcements/view/3253681 . Otherwise it may have not been taken seriously by Boustead Holdings, LTAT, the Government and the public. Now it’s in the papers, so no way to avoid. Similarly on Destini, I was also informed by Destini’s internal sources that the same winding-up petition has been filed by a vendor since September 2020, without any action by Destini to discuss and negotiate on a payment plan. Destini is obligated to inform KLSE but have failed to do so, without any action taken by anyone. Investors will continue to be screwed when crucial information like this is not shared by Destini as they are obliged to do. To make matters worse, there is already a “rescue plan” formed by the same leaders of Destini along with “their partners in crime” within THHE, to assist Destini’s head honchos to exit with a another big fat bonus “cash out”. Who gets screwed now? Investors including supposedly cash rich MOF as the owner of Urusharta Jamaah. Again, innocent citizens gets screwed left, right and centre. Urusharta Jamaah has just been assisted by Petronas (https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/th-heavy-engineering-out-rough-waters) to help THHE survive, and for what? So that they are ready to be screwed again?

As you can see the similarities between both projects, same issue, just different scale of disaster. Sad to say, both already involved billions and will continue to incur billions more if nothing is done seriously to curb the problem.

We do hope that with the elaboration above, the relevant authorities including KDN, SPRM, MOD, MOF, KLSE and others would no longer hide but to take the necessary action to protect the innocent parties including the vendors, investors and the citizens at large as the ultimate contributors to the coffers. Allow talented, experienced, Non-political affiliated (proven clean) Shipbuilding, Shiprepair and Ship Maintenance professionals to manage the projects with support of experienced lawyers, accountants, engineers and former military officers at the board level. Putting individuals without Shipbuilding, Shiprepair and Ship Maintenance at the helm, is like relying on the great Michael Schumacher to drive an Oil & Gas Company as good as he drives his F1 car. Are you kidding? What else needs to be done to make everyone realize this simple philosophy?

Author: CheatedInvestors

Publish date: Mon, 09 Nov 2020, 12:22 AM

WE ARE AND NEVER WERE A RACIST - VETERAN ARMES FORCES

2021-07-21T17:18:00.000+08:00

WE ARE AND NEVER WERE A RACIST

By Major (R) Mior Rosli (TUDM)

I wish the Defence minister, the deputy defence minister read and listen to what I have to say very carefully..

Yesterday, Hishammuddin accused Persatuan Patriot Kebangsaan of being Racist.. I demand your apology to us because it is not us who are racist.. it is you. Don't you remember when you were the UMNO youth chief? You unseal the Keris, waved it in the air, and demand for Chinese blood? Isn't that Racist and dangerous? The police should have charged you under ISA, put you behind bars, and throw the key. We don't need Racist people like you leading a multi Racial country. Now just because the elections are round the corner you have the cheek to talk about increasing the number of non-malays in the Armed Forces. Something that we have heard many many times over many many years.

Let me tell you and all your bloody UMNO goons.. THERE ARE NO RACIAL CONFLICTS NOR SENTIMENTS AMONG SOLDIERS WITHIN THE MAF. We have gone through tough and team training day and night for 6 months for the other ranks and 12 months of training for the officers. We ate, slept, trained, sweat, cried, and laughed together... After recruit or cadet training we were enlisted and Commission into various corps and services. Except for the Royal Malay Regiment, in all corps and services, we were never bothered if one is a Malay, Chinese, Indian, Punjabi, IBAN or kadazan... Our loyalty only goes to our Commander whatever race and religion they are, to our Corps/services, to the MAF, to our King and country. That's was how we were taught and trained.

During both the emergencies (1948-1960/1960-1989), during the confrontation with Indonesia and the war in Sarawak till the early 90s.. we fought like brothers..to defend this country and to maintain the independence of this country. We make sure people like you be safe and maintain your freedom in this country.

You were never there to see our comrades died..got their legs and arms blown off. You were never there to see how their wives and children cried when their husbands came back in coffins or without legs or arms.

You were born with a silver spoon.. you are not more than a show-off. Donning a military uniform, with a Commando beret, with senior airborne wings on your chest.. You made many veterans sick Looking at your stupidity.

During the emergencies combating the CTs there were many non-malays did clandestine operations, became agents inside the enemy troops, and acted as rubber tappers, farmers, etc.. some were caught and killed.

Our pilots, many were non-malays too were shot down, and when they did their rescue, bodivac and medical missions, don't care the dead or injured were Malays, Chinese, iban or indians... Or what ever race they were.

Today UMNO is kissing lips with the CPC. Having closed doors meetings..all for power and money... Forgetting their sacrifice so that UMNO can continue to exist until today..

It is your (UMNO) policymakers who try to separate and divide us racially. It was your party that makes the quotas for entry and promotions.. it was your party Who controls who should be generals and who should not.

Soldiering is a professional job. If you get unskilled people to be promoted, you will get a half-baked Armed Forces. A half-baked Armed Forces will never be able to defend this country effectively.

If you want the Chinese to be seen of their loyalty, make the Armed Forces more professional and not Political.

We, the veterans Armed Forces Officers and the ex-senior police officers are the real Patriots. More Patriotic than any of you, "power and kleptocracy" crazy politicians. DON'T EVER BELITTLE US. IF THERE IS A WAR TO DEFEND THIS SOIL, WE WILL BE THE SECOND OR THIRD LINERS BEHIND THE REGULAR FORCES TO DEFEND THIS COUNTRY... PLEASE DON'T MESS US UP WITH YOUR POLITICAL DREAMS!!!

What your party is doing towards the MAF is degrading them.. making them weak, making the Generals like a puppet on the strings until they do not know to differentiate between what is right and what is wrong.

You are making the Rakyat live in a "BOILING FROG SYNDROME". The moment the Rakyat realized what happened to this country, it will be too late.

The problem with politicians like you is because you rose up not from grassroots leaders.. from the beginning until now you are just "A TORTOISE ON A POLE". Don't know how you got up there but just because your father was the PM, if not you are nothing.

We who served from 1948- 1989/91, the majority are still very much alive. Your party betrayed us, ignored us, lied to us and many of us are struggling to live on with our lives.. while over all these years you and your party members became kleptocrats and took away what actually belongs to us and the Rakyat.

May Allah curse all of you if you don't realize what you did wrong.

Wallahualam.

Maj Hj Mior Rosli TUDM (Bersara)

New Boustead subsidiaries company will take over LCS contract From BNS

2021-07-14T15:46:00.000+08:00

BTS SDN BHD the new company established to take over the LCS contract from BNS and expected to deliver RMN's first LCS ship in 2023.

This move is one of the pre-conditions given by MOF in order to solve the LCS Delay saga. BTS also to raise Sukuk and sell Boustead Asset to raised another RM3 billion to finance the projects as well as to pay the BNS debts.

The concern here by most of the maritime and defense Industry players is the survival of the Boustead vendors and the eco-system of the industry. The failure of the Government to ensure the payment by BNS to its vendors will destroy the 20 years self-reliance effort through the first TOT program by NGPV projects in 1998. Its about 80 companies in Lumut, Perak will close the business if BNS fails to pay them after 3 years of suffering. Most of the vendors are veteran TLDM and have their own expertise in naval systems. They not only successfully building and develop local expertise to support and assist RMN in MRO but also have established themselves internationally. It is sad if the government through MINDEF, Kementerian Usahawan, MOSTI, MIGHT, cannot do anything to help them in this err time.

DEBT must be paid...and NOW. The Navy also must put its feet down toward Boustead, because the downfall of this ecosystem will affect RMN MRO support. Even as a member of the Boustead BOD , The chief must put his priority right, The Navy must come first, not his appointment in the company.

Are they going to call OEM to change small parts?

Malaysia retains Boustead as shipbuilder for LCS programme

by Ridzwan Rahmat

The Malaysian government has decided to retain state-affiliated Boustead Naval Shipyard (BNS) as the shipbuilder for the country’s troubled Maharaja Lela (Gowind)-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme. The decision was made on 5 May by a ministerial committee that was convened to examine options for the long-delayed programme, the country’s defence minister, Ismail Sabri Yaakob, said in a statement on 7 May.

“The ministerial committee that convened on 5 May has agreed for the Boustead Group to proceed with work on the LCS programme, on which work has been halted since 2019,” Ismail said in his statement. “The ministerial committee has also stipulated the new conditions that the Boustead Group must abide by,” he added, without providing further details.

With this decision, the Malaysian government will soon issue a formal notice to BNS for work on the programme to resume, the minister added.

The LCS programme, which was formerly known as the Second-Generation Patrol Vessel (SGPV) project, was intended to equip the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) with a class of six frigates by 2023. Malaysia selected a design variant of the Gowind family of corvettes from French shipbuilder Naval Group (then DCNS) for the LCS programme, and in December 2011 awarded BNS a MYR9.13 billion (USD2.1 billion) contract to build the six vessels, with technical assistance from Naval Group.

However, the programme is now facing a more than MYR1.4 billion (USD340 million) cost overrun, with the first of class yet to be delivered.

BNS To Continue The LCS Project

Last Friday, Senior Minister (defence) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said in a statement that the government has agreed for Boustead group to continue with the project, following a cabinet meeting two days prior. He said the continuation of the construction would save 1,600 workers comprising local people from losing their jobs and more than 400 vendors comprising Bumiputera SMEs.

The LCS construction project, worth RM9.128 billion, was awarded to one of Boustead's subsidiaries Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BNS) by the Ministry of Defence in 2011, and the order was for six LCSs to be constructed for the Royal Malaysian Navy. However, to date, not a single LCS has been handed over to the navy although the contract agreement, signed in January 2014, stipulates that the first vessel was due to be handed over to the government in April 2019. Nevertheless, it was reported that the government had already paid the company RM6 billion.

Ismail Sabri previously said the ministry was considering three options to resolve the delay in the delivery of six LCS units, as BNS had completed none of the orders. The options were: the appointment of Naval Group France as a rescue contractor to complete at least two LCS units, the completion of at least two units by BNS with the remaining contract ceiling, or the termination of the contract with BNS.

In November last year, Boustead Heavy Industries Corp Bhd (BHIC) lodged a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on possible irregularities in the project after it had conducted a forensic audit.

Tan Choe Choe

Govt must be transparent on combat ship saga

The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) saga was one of several issues that was brought to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Defence and Home Affairs when I chaired it from December 2019 until December 2020.

We must remember that LCS is one the largest defence procurement for new equipment undertaken in Malaysia’s history.

The Special Investigation Committee on Public Governance, Procurement, and Finance (JKSTUPKK) had stated that the LCS was one of the vendor-driven procurements undertaken by the Defence Ministry, where the requests and needs of the contractor prevailed over that of the end-user, the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM).

TLDM initially agreed to use the Sigma design proposed by Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding from the Netherlands but was overruled by then Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at the requests of Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BNS) without referring to TLDM in 2011.

BNS was pushing for the Gowind-class design by the Naval Group France (NGF). TLDM had also initially expressed its disappointment at the decision.

The first delivery of the six LCS was supposed to have taken place in April 2019. In fact, it was revealed in December 2020 that the first ship was only 59.79 percent complete despite some RM6 billion having been paid out.

Compare this with Egypt which ordered four Gowind-class ships two years later than Malaysia in 2013 and the first ship commissioned in 2017. Keel laying to delivery took only 36 months.

Indonesia on the other hand ordered four Sigma-class ships in 2010. This was the original request by TLDM. The first ship was commissioned in 2017 while the second was commissioned in 2018.

The current government has however decided that the project should be continued by its contractor, the Boustead Group via its BNS subsidiary. The majority shareholder for Boustead is Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera (LTAT). Earlier, the government ruled out an option to appoint NGF as a “rescue contractor” to complete at least two of the LCS.

The cabinet has said that it will impose a number of conditions that the Boustead Group must obey. However, what those conditions are, how they will be enforced or will help the completion of the project (which was supposed to be finished by end-2023) has not been detailed.

For one thing, it was still allocated the project despite its alleged poor track record with previous projects such as the New Generational Patrol Vessel (NGPV), which was reportedly impacted by delivery delays and large unforeseen additional costs - the matter had been investigated by the 11th Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee in 2007.

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Defence and Home Affairs was also informed by JKSTUPKK that BNS had created written commitments with third-party suppliers regarding specifications and equipment for the LCS before the “surat setuju terima” (SST) had been issued by the government.

This in turn had an outsized influence on the design of the LCS that BNS recommended to the Defence Ministry, rather than the considerations and needs of TLDM as the final user as mentioned earlier.

Before we go any further, it should be established that the main priority in defence procurement must be getting the best equipment for our armed forces. By this logic, the needs of the armed forces should be paramount, rather than those of companies or other interests.

While it is true that the Navy eventually agreed to the specifications, it cannot be denied that the issue of LCS’ design sets a negative precedent.

The committee was also told that BNS had applied and received an advance of more than RM1 billion on the contract, which is more than the norms established by the Finance Ministry.

An exception however was made at the request of the Defence Ministry due to the supposed weak financial state of BNS even at that early stage. So the current problems faced by the LCS was not something inevitable if normal government financial procedures were followed.

The committee in fact heard from BNS’ management itself that almost RM396 million from the LCS project was used to pay off debts and interest that occurred from the NGPV project. Effectively, this was robbing Peter to pay Paul.

The committee was further informed that BNS had taken loans from financial institutions to manage the cash flow for the LCS project, but this resulted in the need to pay interest of up to RM571 million by February 2020, which had not been planned for while the contract was being negotiated.

BNS’ cash flow problems also resulted in the late or failed payment of a number of OEMs for the LCS project, leading to work stoppages or the cancellation of deliveries by the OEMs, hence contributing to the delays.

These are just a few of the many anomalies that were said to have plagued the project.

All of this suggests a failure on the part of the government at the time to undertake due diligence on the contractor, whether in terms of its technical or financial capacity to carry out the project.

The current Perikatan Nasional government is compounding these failures by continuing the project solely on the basis of the unknown “conditions” it has set the contractor.

I do not rule out the possibility that the company has been able to address its various real and perceived weaknesses in the interim.

However, public confidence and the national interest would be better served if, as noted, the government could be transparent and reveal what the conditions are, how they will be enforced, and how it will ensure the guarantee of the LCS deliveries by 2023.

It cannot simply cite the interests of jobs, vendors, and the LTAT to continue the project without outlining what safeguards it has put in place to ensure the contractor will finally be able to deliver.

It must not be forgotten that the cashflow problems also caused hardship to the OEMs (who are vendors, after all) and their workers. And the last thing the LTAT needs is to keep having to deal with the reputational issues the LCS issue has caused.

But more importantly, Malaysia, via its serving men and women, urgently needs better hardware like the LCS to defend its borders, especially the increasingly challenging maritime sector.

Without proper safeguards, transparency, and a commitment to the best practices, Malaysia will be stuck in an endless cycle.

We must cry over spilt milk. This government owes us much more information and far better performance than it has dished out so far.

NIK NAZMI NIK AHMAD is the Setiawangsa MP. He chaired a Parliamentary Select Committee on Defence and Home Affairs which looked into the acquisition of the LCS.

Defense Maritime Industry In Malaysia : just how bad is the situation ?

2021-07-12T17:16:00.000+08:00

Defence Industry

In dialogue and survey session by KPMG involving more than 20 MIDES and VDP companies in February 2021, the most number of complaints submitted was the dire state of the ecosystem. This is as a result of the postponement of the LCS Project and nearly 3 -year -old debts that have not yet paid by BNS. Many of the vendors are in a danger zone due to pressure to clear outstanding payments from suppliers, banks, and government authorities.

MASTRA calls upon the Ministry of Defence Malaysia and the ministry of Entrepreneurs and Cooperatives Development to look into the plight of the entrepreneurs, vendors, and SME's affected by the alleged non-payment. While the government’s efforts in reviving the LCS project are commendable the sustainability of the SME’s must be included in the equation. MASTRA proposes that direct payment to the SMEs be made a precondition of the revival plan.

STRIDE ought to be under Markas BERSAMA , looking after the interest of all services of MAF , with representative from APMM and Marine Police. Restructure and Reassign STRIDE for a wider scope of responsibility and accountability. Perhaps jointly with BIP . It must be properly organised with separate Divisions taking care of Aeronotics, Marine and Automotive. include a 'Proactive' Division for Defence Industry .

Participations headed by Veteran Senior Officer from Engineering Branch of the TD, TLDM or TUDM, with council members representing the industry in Automotive, Marine and Aeronautical Services.

According to internal sources, STRIDE has no fund to do R&D, past develop project management and events led to loss of confidence in STRIDE's capability in managing innovations , hence sceptics to provide funding.

STRIDE should not continue as the old Defence Research Centre (PSTP) - more for fuel oil and material test labs!

Maritime Industry

MiGHT ought to Review and Audit their Maritime Strategy for 2020 that was published in 2011. They should identify progress and more importantly shortcomings of the strategy up to this date and propose viable solution through Direct Interaction with in-country marine technology practioners , and ONLY move forward from there with more practical and achievable steps . There were too much Way Forward ! yet if still sluggish to 'MOVE FORWARD' , it will not take our National Marine Technology Competencies and Sustainability to ANYWHERE ! So much were left out or ignored, at least over the last decade!

MASTRA suggest there a must change the KPI mentality to PDCA mentality in these agencies, besides Improve Governance. Their role is also governance , Tighten requirements for made in Malaysia and Malaysian products. This must Reflect in tender specification, Encourage integration and systems production.

Maintenance contracts should be given to 100% locally owned companies to promote and strengthen self-reliance. Clean up licensing and registrations. Clean up GLCs. Close the non-strategic collaboration.

At a time when our ecosystem in bad shape we need to do the needful.

If OEM still required, they must go through local 'technologically related and competent' companies.

We are aware of the problems exist, so how do we counter this or manoeuvre ourselves in this ecosystem ?

For more almost 15 years since our involvement in the industry in AMIM in 2006, we keep seeing plans after plans being launched by VVIP and yet our industry remains almost as 40 years ago. All these seminar, conference and workshop nicely done and presented documents are just for KPI or show only.

Perhaps the Ministry taking care of Technology. Development and Sustenance , such as MOSTI, and Ministry responsible for survival and progress of SMEs , perhaps MITI, are not fully aware, or indifferent, on the plight of Malaysian Marine Industry ?

from defence industry brain storming group

PLKN or National Services - 2 nd Tier Of Malaysia Defense

2021-07-08T11:15:00.005+08:00

we receive this message through WAG and have a heaty discussion on this matter.

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is currently conducting a survey on National Service Training Program (PLKN). The purpose is to obtain feedback from the general public on the re-implementation of National Service Training Program (PLKN) in order to meet the objectives of training and Act 628 National Service Training.

Please click the link below:

English version: shorturl.at/hluBF

Bahasa Malaysia version: shorturl.at/dxHOS

The first thing government must decide, either this is military national service training or youth training for nation-building. From point of view on youth training for nation-building and Military National Service is totally different. National Service Training for a country like Malaysia is good so that there is NO requirement for over-sized armed forces. However, the concept, planning, and execution must be right and never repeat previous PLKN mistakes. The initial PLKN training was a big failure. It was later incorporated into the NBOS program & was suspended for 1 year in 2015 to allow an in-depth study & recommend a way forward. They came out with PLKN 2.0 to target school dropouts & implemented it in 2016. The focus was on vocational/technical training. It was another failure & the PH govt rightfully terminated it in 2018.

We don't need Military National Service, especially for Malaysia. Ensure we are well equipped & good management of MAF assets. No need for a huge MAF. Support a National Youth Training program as a school extra-curriculum programme. No need PLKN, it waste of money. Channel money to school instead... cheaper, cost-effective & more can be trained on multicultural teamwork, junior leadership, inculcate integrity & loyalty to the nation for nation-building objectives.

Mindef needs to rethink & address the failures of PLKN.

Believe it. or not , we spent rm 700 mil annually to enrich some for nothing.

what do we hope to achieve from the three months course?

Channel this Rm 700m to schools, more effective to change mindsets to benefit nation building. Even those passed out from university PALAPES as officers are missing. They are supposed to be the reservists too. They have brains and skills after they start working, they can be an asset for our MAF if the training continues for them annually.

Alternatively, we could do it during school holidays in the existing Military camps. We already have a reserve provision in the AFA72 to utilize. Do not allow the Mindef civilians to engage in this project as they will create benefit for themselves as what they did to the previous PLKN before.

They promote themselves to be bosses in the organization where they can't even walk properly and became the supremo of PLKN and having fun making soldiers and veterans as their balacis.

It should be given to JPP to organize it and headed by a General. Veterans could be utilised as instructors which helps to create as 2nd job for them. It should be made as part of defense plan for the nation, not a place where trainees learn how to sing dangdut. Military training disguise as national service benefits all

Brain Storming from Veteran ATM Group.

The program should be prolonged to 6 months, and the graduate from PLKN should be given priority for admission to IPTS.

Five main modules can be built by five separate shipyards - LCS way forward

2021-06-22T19:17:00.003+08:00

The RMN NGPV are of "modular" Meko 100 design which is a smaller version of the Meko 200. There are five main modules which can be built by five separate shipyards and later assembled together viz the forward section, the midship section, the aft section, the forward gun module and the CIC module. I have no knowledge of the LCS design. If it were of modular concept, then the construction works can be distributed to, say, NGV Tech - forward section, MSET - forward gun module, BNS - midship section, HLL - aft section, Grade One - CIC section. Other Class B shipyards can can also participate, i.e UniKL Mimet to build the funnel assembly, Destiny - hangar section, etc. etc. If I were a corrupt minister/ RMN/ BNS trying to collude with, say, MSET, there would be four other shipyards in the consortium to apprehend and blow the whistles. It's not easy for me to corrupt all five shipyards. This seems like a hypothetical assumption but worth trying

Malaysia should have learned from Australia when the latter built Anzac Meko 200 warships by distributing the works to a consortium of shipyards, not a monopoly by a single shipyard. This combined effort approach would provide broader, hence, stronger and more resilient project management. The LCS is of tonnage that must be built by Class A shipyards. In Malaysia there several such shipyards

The yards involve will proof their best works & result. Then we will know, if it happen when one yard fail, other yards progressively advance. If any shipyard face challenges , quickly the main contractor can investigate. Then we have check & balance. Well, just like other nations spread the project amongst their yards, US UK AUSSIE practice this.

Looks like Indonesia going to spend much less than our RMN LCS though theirs are much much bigger in term of tonnage/size and i suppose many others. Looklike everytime we bought something, it's always more expansive than other countries.. Our LCS price is abt US490M/unit whereas Iver Huitfeldt class frigate by Indoneia cost at US325/unit only. Maybe our LCS parts make from gold. .Even our LMS from China cost about RM250m

/ ship and it's just for a simple vessel of less than 70m with simple cms @ to support only 30mm gun. If we really go on open market the price of that LMS that we bought fm China should not be more than RM100M.

Courtesy from

Syed Sharom

Zainal Rashid

Wan Zul

RMNOA Brain storming Group.

Zahid said wasn’t defence minister when billions paid despite warships’ non-delivery, but will help in PAC probe

2021-06-22T18:54:00.002+08:00

Friday, 18 Dec 2020 01:06 PM MYT

BY IDA LIM

MALAY MAIL

Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today clarified that he was not the defence minister when the government paid out over RM6 billion for warships that were not delivered as part of a RM9 billion project awarded to a company. Zahid however said he would still cooperate with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in the bipartisan Parliament watchdog’s inquiry on the RM9 billion project.

Yesterday, PAC chairman Wong Kah Wong had provided updates on an ongoing PAC probe on the non-delivery of the warships, noting that the project worth more than RM9 billion was awarded through direct negotiations in 2014 to the main contractor Boustead Naval Shipyard (BNS) Sdn Bhd for the supply of six units of second-generation Littoral Combatant Ships (LCS) warships to the Royal Malaysian Navy. In this project which is the largest-ever acquisition by the Defence Ministry, Wong said RM6.083 billion had been paid as of October 2020 but without a single LCS delivered by BNS, despite the schedule requiring two LCS ships to be completed by now and requiring the first ship to be delivered in April 2019.

Today, Zahid stressed that he was only defence minister from April 2009 to May 2013. “It is wished to be explained that the failure of supply by Boustead arose only in 2019 where at that time I was no longer holding the position as defence minister,” he explained in a statement posted on his Facebook page. Zahid also noted that BNS is owned by Boustead Holdings Berhad, with the latter’s largest shareholder being the government-owned Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera (LTAT) and the second-largest shareholder also being the government-owned civil servants’ pension fund Retirement Fund Incorporated (KWAP). Zahid then referred to the two existing audit reports on the warship’s non-delivery as cited by Wong — the Auditor-General’s Report (LKAN) 2019 Series 1 (Compliance Audit of Ministries/Federal Departments) as well as the Governance, Procurement, and Finance Investigation Committee (JKSTUPKK)’s report. When commenting on the two audit reports, Zahid said the government’s 2002 guidelines for procurement through direct negotiations state that such procurements can only be made after obtaining the Finance Ministry’s approval, and that the defence ministry had already provided further explanation on the status of the issue of late fines to Boustead, and that the ministry had also stated that it had prepared a letter of demand and handed it over to the controlling officer for approval. Again highlighting that he was only defence minister until 2013, Zahid said that this issue is beyond his knowledge and that the scheduled payments to Boustead were made in 2019 when he was no longer holding the ministerial post. “Therefore, I have no knowledge and no control on any decisions made by the ministry regarding the issue of scheduled payments,” he said.

While saying he respected the PAC’s role in ensuring continuity in the government’s structure and management, Zahid however said it should be “more sensitive” in handling the investigation process especially regarding the issue of national security as it is still at the investigation stage. “I wish to stress that this explanation does not at all change my intention to continue to provide cooperation and help PAC in completing its investigation,” he said. Yesterday, Wong had said that the PAC had so far held four meetings and proceedings with witnesses for its inquiry on the warships project, with proceedings during the November 5 to November 16 period attended by individuals such as Auditor-General Datuk Nik Azman Nik Abdul Majid, Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Muez Abd Aziz, and JKSTUPKK chairman Tan Sri Ambrin Buang who is also the former auditor-general. Wong had said the PAC proceedings on the warships will continue in early January next year with more witnesses to be called, including Zahid as the former defence minister, former Malaysian Navy chief Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar and representatives from the main contractor BNS Sdn Bhd.

Wong said PAC will also visit the LCS shipbuilding site in Lumut, Perak in January 2021, with the watchdog intending to expedite the proceedings to present a report to the Dewan Rakyat. Former deputy defence minister Liew Chin Tong had in September told the Dewan Negara that Putrajaya’s special investigation committee on procurement, governance and finance, had discovered that RM1 billion of the RM5.94 billion paid for the warships could not be traced, and had in October urged the government to investigate the missing RM1 billion.

WHY MUST THE LITTORAL COMBAT SHIP PROJECT IN MALAYSIA CONTINUE?

2021-06-22T18:46:00.000+08:00

Over the last two decades, Malaysia has made concerted efforts toward modernizing its navy. The 15 to 5 Transformation Programme has been the basis of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN)’s recent restructuring agenda. This program focuses on acquiring new ships to replace aging ones, reducing cost and logistics problems, and building an efficient fleet, in part by reducing the number of ship classes down from the current 15 to just 5.

After a prolonged pause, Senior Defense Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced last month that the government has decided to resume the LCS project. In his statement, the minister explained that decision was made in order continue to support its local shipping industry, Boustead Group, and keep the jobs of approximately 8,000 workers and 400 vendors that comprise Bumiputera Small and Medium Enterprises. However, the rationale behind this decision is far broader. The RMN needs to continue with the LCS project in order to maximize its options to remain relevant and increase readiness. The LCS program would enable the navy to respond to a wide variety of challenges at sea.

First, the LCS project, which is an effort focused on “building capability base” for the RMN, is a form of response and preparedness vis-à-vis the relative threats around Malaysia’s waters. Malaysia is situated at the crossroads of east and west sea lines of communication, with the Malacca Straits acting as a major choke point. The country shares maritime borders with Indonesia, an archipelago nation, and Singapore, the only city island nation in the world. In the east, Malaysia shares water borders adjacent to North Borneo with the Philippines, another archipelagic country. In the west, the Andaman Sea is a hotspot for the influx of seaborne illegal immigrants, smuggling, and trafficking activities connecting to the Malacca Straits. The claim to Sabah by the Philippines also makes North Borneo and the Sulu Islands of the southern Philippines hotspots. And, of course, the South China Sea is contested between Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Taiwan, and China. The Malaysian navy’s resources are stretched in responding to these threats, making it vital to obtain LCS.

Second, the LCS project is a fleet recapitalization effort by the government to provide efficient platforms for operational requirements at sea. Modern electronics and weapon systems, countermeasures, and quick response capabilities are important features in the modern maritime domain. Ever-changing innovations and advances in the technology of both traditional and non-traditional threats make it challenging for states to ensure that their capabilities are up to date. Modern naval ships, i.e. destroyers, frigates, and corvettes, are fitted with anti-surface, anti-submarine, air defense, and electronic warfare capabilities. Currently, existing RMN ships are aging in terms of its capabilities as well as sustainability; most of its ships are over 25 years old and are reaching a point of diminishing returns when it comes to maintenance costs. With the growing mismatch in capabilities, this procurement project is a much-needed modernization component as it can provide an advanced platform to achieve combat effectiveness that the existing RMN is lacking.

Third, as much as diplomacy has become a useful tool for nations, maintaining updated military assets is equally sensible. In today’s context, war dynamics and naval battles have changed with the advent of diplomacy, but the Westphalian system is still relevant when defending a state’s national interest. A classic example of asymmetric deterrence employed by the weak against the strong may be seen in the case of Vietnam’s efforts to deter China. Wary of China and its activities in the South China Sea, After Beijing’s placement of an oil rig in waters was claimed by Vietnam in 2014, Vietnam purchased Kilo-class submarines from Russia, a move that has forced China to recalculate its actions in disputed waters since. Vietnam has also expanded its procurement of frigates and corvettes equipped with anti-ship and anti-submarine weapons; a move was intended to protect state sovereignty. As a maritime nation, combatant platforms are necessary to address continuous challenges at sea when the current platforms are becoming obsolete.

Fourth, maritime surveillance and law enforcement are a deterrent to crime at sea, but their success requires the vigorous commitment of RMN and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) to assert their rights and laws of the country in the region claimed. This enforcement has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the RMN and MMEA have worked together to combat non-conventional threats in national waters. This practice of integrating civilian and military assets is common in many modern Western navies. Although the MMEA operates with a dual-task function itself, when it comes to certain aspect such as military operations other than war and search and rescue, substantive resources such as LCS are required to conduct any form of assistance operations in forward area operations (beyond Malaysia’s maritime boundaries). Due to limited capability within the MMEA, the navy is regularly called upon for support.

Fleet modernization is therefore vital not just for defending sovereignty of the country, but also conducting secondary functions such as law enforcement assistance. And if the navy fails to recapitalise the fleet, RMN capability will progressively deteriorate, and the gap between the RMN and the MMEA will close. Without major combatants such as the LCS, the navy will soon be limited to the same capabilities as the MMEA, resulting in a redundant misallocation of resources on government’s part.

The maritime domain is an important defense area for Malaysia due to the country’s geographical proximity to both eastern and the western maritime routes. According to its 2019 Defense White Paper, Malaysia is a maritime nation with continental roots. Although the government continues to fall short on funding for maritime affairs due to the pandemic, the defense and security of Malaysian waters should not be compromised. The LCS project was part of the 15 to 5 program implemented after a long research and study process by RMN. Therefore, with this vision in mind, it is only practical to continue this project for the benefit of Malaysia and the stability of the region as whole. Given time and the opportunity, the Boustead Naval Shipyard can resume the LCS project and complete at least a minimum of two ships, a feasible but still relevant increase in the RMN’s assets and capabilities at sea.

LCS project delay causing 200 vendors to fold up

2021-06-22T18:27:00.004+08:00

2021-04-25

Malaysia-China Insight

IPOH, April 24 — About 200 vendors and contractors have shut down following the delay in the delivery of the second littoral combat ship (LCS) two years ago, according to Pangkor assemblyman, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.

He said the project which involved 400 vendors and since the postponement was announced, almost 50 per cent of the total vendors were affected and the issue would affect all if there was no decision made by the government or the parties concerned.

“It is a project at national level which is not involving one group. Employment opportunities, local economy and national security are all involved in the project.

“Measures by the government are crucial for the LCS project to proceed so that vendors and workers can continue their work and will not get retrenched,” he told a press conference which was also attended by several vendors of the project. Zambry said the failure in the construction of the LCS in Lumut is not only creating a controversy but the government should intervene and gave it serious attention as it is affecting many parties and local economic players. One of the vendors, Safie Tamrin said his company and other vendor colleagues are facing debts apart from revolving capital which is not giving returns due to the project delay.

“We are appealing to the government to restart the LCS project to save all parties,” he said.

It was reported in December that the Ministry of Defence had conducted an in depth investigation on the failure of the subsidiary of Boustead Holdings Bhd which is Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BNS), to supply six LCS valued at RM9 billion for the Royal Malaysian Navy. Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the ministry had also conducted an investigation by reviewing the contract clauses on late delivery in the acquisition of LCS. According to him, findings of the investigation led to the issuance of the notice of Liquidated and Ascertained Damages (LAD) amounting to RM180 million in which RM80.6 million had been collected one-off from BNS in October. According to the original plan, two of six LCS should have been delivered but as at July 31 (2020), none had been completed.

10,000 pekerja, 400 vendor terjejas projek LCS tangguh

SAIFULLAH AHMAD | | 24 April 2021 SINAR

POH - Kerajaan diminta mencari penyelesaian terbaik bagi memastikan projek pembinaan enam Kapal Tempur Pesisir Pantai (LCS) yang tertangguh sejak lebih setahun lalu diteruskan bagi menyelamatkan kira-kira 10,000 pekerja dan 400 vendor terjejas. Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Pangkor, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir berkata, penangguhan projek tersebut memberi kesan yang besar kepada pekerja dan vendor kerana sebahagian mereka sudah gulung tikar disebabkan keadaan itu.

Menurutnya, jalan terbaik bagi menyelamatkan pekerja dan vendor tersebut dengan meneruskan kembali projek pembinaan LCS itu dengan segera memandangkan ia tertangguh begitu lama."Keadaan ini memberikan kesan buruk kepada keseluruhan ekosistem dan ekonomi bukan sahaja di daerah Manjung dan Perak tetapi untuk negara. "Saya memohon kepada kerajaan untuk memberikan perhatian serius mengenai perkara ini. Dalam keadaan ekonomi yang semakin sulit kita memerlukan sokongan kerajaan," katanya kepada pemberita ketika sidang akhbar di Pejabat Yayasan Bina Upaya Darul Ridzuan, di sini pada Sabtu. Hadir sama, Setiausaha MTUC Bahagian Perak, Hamzah Jaaffar dan Pengarah Urusan Samudera Selatan Engineering Sdn Bhd, Safie Tamrin. Zambry berkata, isu tersebut pernah dikemukakan kepada Menteri Pertahanan, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaacob dan Pengerusi Boustead Berhad, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin bagi meminta kerajaan mempertimbangkan masalah yang berlaku. Sementara itu, Safie yang merupakan salah satu vendor yang terlibat dengan pembinaan LCS itu memaklumkan bahawa pihak vendor mengalami pelbagai kesulitan selepas lebih setahun projek tersebut tidak beroperasi.

Menurutnya, sebahagian besar mereka berdepan masalah kewangan seperti membayar gaji pekerja dan melunaskan pinjaman bank kerana penangguhan terlalu lama. Beliau berkata, sebahagian daripada mereka yang merupakan anak tempatan sudah pun gulung tikar kerana tidak lagi mempunyai sumber untuk meneruskan projek tersebut. "Jika projek ini terus ditangguh, banyak lagi masalah teknikal yang akan timbul. Sebenarnya, projek ini menggunakan teknologi tinggi bagi aset pertahanan negara sekali gus memberikan pengalaman kepada vendor dalam pembinaan kapal perang. "Kita juga sudah mengikuti lebih banyak latihan dan survei bagi projek ini. Kita sangat berharap agar kerajaan dapat mempertimbangkan untuk meneruskan projek ini bagi menyelamatkan semua pihak," katanya. Menurut Safie, daripada enam kapal yang dirancang untuk dibina, hanya dua kapal yang siap 70 peratus sebelum ditangguhkan pembinaannya sehingga kini. Pada 3 Ogos 2020, Kementerian Pertahanan mengumumkan bahawa pihaknya terpaksa menimbang untuk menamatkan kontrak syarikat kontraktor yang membekalkan enam aset Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM) jenis kapal LCS kerana mengalami kelewatan dalam pembinaan. Ismail Sabri ketika menggulung perbahasan usul titah Yang di-Pertuan Agong di Dewan Rakyat ketika itu berkata, sehingga 31 Julai lalu tiada satu pun daripada enam kapal LCS yang disiapkan syarikat Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BNSSB). Malah menurutnya, kementerian itu juga sudah membayar RM6 bilion daripada harga kos pembinaan kapal berkenaan.

Mengikut rancangan asal, kapal pertama LCS dikenali sebagai LCS1 yang direka cipta dan dibina sepenuhnya di negara ini dijangka siap pada 2018 dan akan diserahkan kepada TLDM pada pertengahan tahun 2019 manakala kapal terakhir diserahkan pada pertengahan 2023. Pembinaan kapal LCS itu adalah selaras dengan usaha pemodenan TLDM dan mampu meningkatkan keupayaan tempur armada pasukan itu daripada empat kapal tempur kepada 10 kapal sekali gus membolehkan lebih banyak operasi dapat disempurnakan dengan lebih pantas dan berkesan.

Artikel Penuh : https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/135278/BERITA/Nasional/10000-pekerja-400-vendor-terjejas-projek-LCS-tangguh

Royal Malaysian Navy Dispatches Submarine Rescue Vessel to Help Search for Indonesian Submarine

2021-06-22T18:11:00.001+08:00

April 23, 2021

Military Leak

MV Mega Bakti, a submarine rescue ship of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), was deployed this morning to assist in the search for a missing Indonesian submarine, KRI Nanggala, which lost contact while conducting training in the waters off the north of Bali. The Malaysian Ministry of Defence in a statement, said MV Mega Bakti set off from the Submarine Command Headquarters operations jetty in Teluk Sepanggar, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

MV Mega Bakti is a submarine rescue ship operated by the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN). The ship was specially designed and built by Keppel Singmarine for use in Malaysia. The ship is fitted with a double lock decompression chamber (DDC) and global positioning system intelligent buoy tracking system (GIB), and a remotely-operated vehicle (ROV). The ROV is controlled remotely by operators via a cable connected to the Mega Bakti.

During a rescue operation, the ROV is used to install the distressed submarine ventilation and depressurization system (DSVSD) at a depth of up to 400 meters. It is capable of cleaning the obstacles at the escape hatch of a submarine-in-distress (DISSUB), capturing photos and videos and sending emergency life support stores (ELSS) pods. The ELSS Pod is used as a medical aid, food and other necessities to DISSUB using the ROV.

Mega Bakti provided 12 ELSS pods capable of accommodating pressures of 65 bar. The GPS intelligent buoy is used to detect DISSUB positions stranded at sea and can detect up to 1,000 meters. The distressed submarine ventilation and depressurization system (DSVSD) is installed on DISSUB to discharge clean air and drain out contaminated air from DISSUB. The portable underwater telephone system is also used to carry out communication between Mega Bakti and a DISSUB.

Indonesia will build FRIGATE JV GERMAN SHIPBUILDING

2021-06-22T17:59:00.001+08:00

CNBC Indonesia

20 April 2021 18:50

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - BUMN PT PAL Indonesia yang ditugaskan untuk mengembangkan kapal perang TNI AL akan melibatkan konsultan angkatan laut Jerman, MTG Marinetechnik, dan perusahaan teknik Turki FIGES AS. Hal ini untuk menyesuaikan desain kelas fregat baru yang akan dibangun untuk Angkatan Laut Indonesia.

Dikutip Janes Defence, hal tersebut telah diverifikasi bahwa Marinetechnik dan FIGES malah membantu PT PAL dengan kontrak TNI-AL untuk varian kelas Iver Huitfeldt, yang kontraknya telah ditandatangani pada April 2020.

Kelas Iver Huitfeldt memiliki bobot 6.600 ton dan didukung oleh empat mesin diesel MTU 20V 8000 M70 dalam konfigurasi gabungan diesel dan diesel (CODAD), memberikan kecepatan tertinggi sekitar 28 knot.

Untuk senjata, kapal itu dilengkapi meriam Oto 76 mm di bagian depan, sistem senjata jarak dekat (CIWS) 35 mm di bagian buritan, dan modul sistem peluncuran vertikal (VLS) untuk rudal anti-udara dan permukaan di tengah kapal.

Marinetechnik dan FIGES sedang menyesuaikan desain turunan kelas untuk persyaratan TNI AL, dan akan merekomendasikan serangkaian sensor, senjata, dan sistem tempur lainnya untuk fregat tersebut.

Indonesia memang saat ini sedang berusaha untuk memperbaharui dan menambah kekuatan alat tempurnya, terutama armada laut dan armada udara.

Kapal Iver Huitfeldt Class

Kapal buatan Denmark dengan panjang 138 m hingga 150 m. Maka jenis kapal ini adalah Iver Huitfeldt Class. Kapal ini merupakan salah satu yang terbaik di kelasnya.

Iver Huitfeldt memiliki kapasitas lebih dari 100 orang dengan dimensi panjang 138,7 meter dan lebar 19,81 meter. Muatan standar dari kapal ini sampai 5.850 ton sedangkan muatan fullnya dapat mencapai 6.645 ton.

Iver Hitfeldt dapat berlayar di lautan dengan kecepatan mencapai 30 knot dengan jangkauan 16.700 km. Artinya kapal ini dapat mengarungi lautan dari Sabang sampai Merauke pulang pergi non-stop.

Kapal ini juga dilengkapi dengan berbagai senjata canggih seperti misil SM-2 dengan jangkauan 150 km dan misil RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow dengan jangkauan 50 km. Senjata canggih lainnya adalah dua senjata penembak OTO Melara 76 mm dan 35 mm Oerlikon Millennium Close-In Weapon System (CIWS).

Jenis yang terakhir merupakan yang paling canggih. Dengan Oerlikon Millennium CIWS yang memiliki kecepatan 1.000 rpm dapat menembak misil lain.

Untuk mengakuisisi Iver Huitfeldt ini membutuhkan biaya sebesar US$ 325 juta atau setara degan Rp 4,55 triliun dengan asumsi kurs Rp 14.000/US$.

Significant changes with higher risk led to Boustead privatisation lapsing, says LTAT

2021-06-22T17:25:00.003+08:00

5 Feb 2021

theedgemarkets.com

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 5): Uncertainties stemming from Covid-19, the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project, leadership changes at Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera (LTAT) and clarity of Boustead Holdings Bhd’s (BHB) rejuvenation plan led to the armed forces fund aborting its takeover plan of Boustead after eight months of consideration.

In a statement, LTAT said that upon the latest deadline to announced a plan to privatise Boustead on Feb 2, a conscious decision was made to allow the deadline to lapse.

It said this was after considering the changing circumstances surrounding the privatisation plan, which presented heightened risk towards ensuring the successful completion of the privatisation.

“We were conscious to do this in the best interest of our key stakeholders, particularly our contributors, the armed forces personnel,” LTAT said.

These changes included potential uncertainties as a result of the prolonged Covid-19 measures that could further delay the diversified conglomerate’s privatisation. Additionally, there were also further uncertainties over the key businesses of Boustead, namely banking, hotel, property and retail petroleum, LTAT explained.

LTAT also highlighted leadership changes on its side and at Boustead, which require sufficient time to review ongoing projects and initiatives.

Moreover, there was also the question of Boustead’s rejuvenation plan, which included a plan to address its debt levels, it highlighted.

As such, LTAT’s current focus is on the execution of its strategic asset allocation (SAA) framework, which was completed towards end-2020. The framework establishes the objective of better diversification of investments in its portfolio, it noted.

LTAT said that it intends to rebalance its portfolio by increasing fixed income instruments (20%), reducing real estate and private equity exposure (10% respectively), and increase the diversification of its public equity portfolio (50%) and the remaining portion in other asset classes, including money market instruments.

The fund also noted that at a later stage, it plans to diversify its investments in the international arena, like other funds in the country.

“While full implementation of the initiatives as part of the strategic transformation plan would take a few years and continues to be a work in progress, LTAT will continue to assess its options in respect of creating value from its existing key investments, including reviewing the merits of any potential value creation exercise, subject to 4/4 commercial viability to LTAT and BHB, within the boundaries of the takeover rules and relevant regulations.

"At this juncture, LTAT will continue to work closely with BHB in terms of providing support towards its 'Rejuvenating Boustead’ plan and future growth strategies,” LTAT noted.

The fund also explained that it had previously engaged in the privatisation of Boustead to protect the value of its investments, as well as to pave the way to support the potential restructuring of Boustead that was being planned.

This, it argued, would help accelerate its own strategic transformation plan, which involves capitalising on immediate high-impact initiatives as catalysts to address immediate gaps and creating value in achieving longer-term sustainability.

To recap, LTAT announced that it was considering taking Boustead private at 80 sen in May. On Feb 2, the fund announced that it was aborting the exercise.

Earnings-wise, for the nine months ended Sept 30, 2020 (9MFY20), Boustead reported a wider net loss of RM153.1 million, compared with RM14.2 million a year prior. Revenue for the nine months was 6.16% higher at RM7.79 billion, compared with RM7.33 billion previously.

As of Sept 30, 2020, its borrowings stood at RM7.7 billion.

Boustead is the main dividend income contributor to LTAT. The conglomerate was financially stressed in recent years and that affected its affordability to declare generous dividends.

Boustead has several listed entities under its belt. It holds a 20.73% stake in Affin Bank Bhd, a 57.42% stake in Boustead Plantations Bhd, a 65% stake in Boustead Heavy Industries Corp Bhd and 56.09% of Pharmaniaga Bhd.

Shares in Boustead were 2.5% or 1.5 sen lower at 58.5 sen as of 11.56am today, translating into a market capitalisation of RM1.19 billion. It had seen 2.28 million shares done.

by Surin Murugiah