RMN Plans To Reduce Vessel Class Category

22 Desember 2015

 RMN surface combatant (photos : TLDM)

LUMUT (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) plans to reduce class category of its vessels to ensure smooth and cost-effective management.

RMN chief Admiral Datuk Seri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin said the plan was made after most of the vessels used in their operations had been in existence for ages.

"So far, we have 18 vessel classes and we will try to reduce it to only five, namely Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), New Generation Patrol Vessel (NGPV), Frigates, Corvett, and Mines Counter Vessel (MCMV).

"However, the number of vessels for each class will be increased and this will also reduce the management costs and beef up defence capabilities, especially in the country's waters," he told reporters here today.

Kamarulzaman said all 18 vessel classes which had spanned over 20 years were purchased from various countries like United Kingdom (UK), Germany, France, Italy and Korea, a few years ago.

"Due to the many vessel classes, the level of vessel management has become very challenging and costly.

"We will give priority to the vessels built in the country to enhance the national defence industry, in which foreign companies need to forge collaboration with local companies," he added.

Commenting on the banning of vape or electronic cigarettes at all military camps, Ahmad Kamarulzaman said he would support any decision made by Armed Forces chief Gen Tan Sri Dr Zulkifeli Mohd Zin.

"All naval bases are just waiting for instructions from the higher authorities regarding the ban of vape," he said.

On Saturday, Zulkifeli had announced that the Armed Forces were looking into the possibility of banning electronic cigarettes or vape at military camps nationwide.

(Bernama)