KOTA TINGGI: The Defence Ministry (Mindef) is calling for a thorough investigation into the sinking of the Royal Malaysian Navy vessel KD Pendekar, which went down two nautical miles southeast of Tanjung Penyusop yesterday.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said that while the vessel had been in service since 1979, its 50-year age was not currently considered the primary cause of the incident.

"An investigation is underway to determine the exact reasons behind KD Pendekar's sinking. Initial indications suggest the vessel may have struck an underwater object," he said during a press conference following a visit to the Kelulut honey project at Kampung Sedili Kecil here, today.

Noting that a significant portion of the current fleet is over 40 years old, he said efforts were underway to modernise the navy's fleet.

"We are committed to completing the new ships under construction and pursuing additional vessel acquisitions. In line with these plans, the ministry is inspecting one-third of the Royal Malaysian Navy's (RMN) fleet - about 10 to 15 vessels - over 40 years old to ensure they remain operationally safe," he added.

Notable upgrades include the construction of Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) and the acquisition of Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) from Turkey.

"The first LCS is expected to be operational by 2026, with subsequent LCS deliveries each year. Three LMS vessels are scheduled for delivery in October, November, and December of 2027," said Khaled.

Yesterday, New Straits Times reported that KD Pendekar had become stranded before sinking.

All 39 crew members were rescued without injury, and salvage operations are currently underway.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/1096843/mindef-awaits-probe-sunken-kd-pendekar-accelerates-fleet-upgrades