A Royal Malaysian Navy fast attack craft sank off the coast of Johor state on August 24, 2024, after striking an unidentified underwater object. The incident has prompted discussions about the aging fleet and modernization plans.
The KD Pendekar, a 260-ton vessel commissioned in 1979, experienced a severe leak in its engine room. Despite the crew's efforts, the ship submerged hours after the initial damage was detected. Fortunately, all 39 crew members were safely evacuated without injuries.
The Royal Malaysian Navy, established in 1934, operates across Malaysia's extensive 4,675-kilometer coastline. This incident highlights the challenges faced by the navy in maintaining its aging fleet while safeguarding the nation's maritime interests.
In response to the sinking, Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin has ordered an inspection of naval vessels over 40 years old, which comprise at least one-third of Malaysia's fleet. While acknowledging the age of some ships, Khaled emphasized that it may not be the primary cause of the incident.
"We do not deny that (some of) our ships are old but that is not likely to be one of the causes ... and the important thing is that thankfully no lives were lost."
The minister also discussed ongoing fleet modernization efforts. These include the construction of littoral combat ships, with the first expected to be commissioned in 2026. Additionally, negotiations are underway to purchase littoral mission ships from Turkey, enhancing Malaysia's naval capabilities.
Malaysia's defense strategy involves protecting its maritime interests and exclusive economic zone. With a defense budget of approximately 17.4 billion ringgit (about 3.7 billion USD) in 2023, the country is investing in modernizing its armed forces to address regional challenges, including territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
As salvage operations continue and investigations into the cause of the KD Pendekar's sinking progress, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and upgrading naval assets to ensure the security of Malaysia's extensive coastline and maritime territories.