KOTA KINABALU: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) will be better equipped to deal with maritime security issues such as cross-border crimes, piracy and entry of illegal immigrants after the delivery of four fast interceptor craft (FICs) on Friday (Feb 2).
The four combat boats were handed over by local company Gading Marine Industry Sdn Bhd (Gading Marine) to the RMN in a symbolic ceremony witnessed by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin at the Navy base in Sepanggar near here.
These FICs are part of a total 13 FICs Gading Marine is required to deliver to the RMN, with the remaining craft to be delivered in two phases.
Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Ayob received the first batch from Gading Marine managing director Datuk Jamalolail Mohd Yatim.
The FICs, known as the G2000 Mk II, were fully constructed at Gading Marine’s shipyard at the Lumut Port Industrial in Sitiawan, Perak.
Mohamed Khaled (left) and Abdul Rahman looking at the FIC’s automatic machine gun.
This first batch of boats will be deployed at the Naval Region Two (Mawilla) base in Sabah’s east coast Sandakan district.
Attendees, who among others included Defence Ministry chief secretary Datuk Seri Isham Ishak, and Human Resource Deputy Minister and Sepanggar MP Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, were earlier treated to a demonstration by the Navy of the FIC’s capabilities.
In his speech, Abdul Rahman said compared to the previous version of the vessel known as G2000 Mk I, this newer model was unique as it was equipped with a remote control weapon station (RCWS).
Abdul Rahman (second from left) receiving a replica of the FIC from Jamalolail as Mohamed Khaled (centre) looks on.
This, he said, enabled the boat to fire an automatic 12.7mm CANiK M2 Quick Change Barrel (QCB)-type heavy machine gun.
He added the 18m-long FIC G2000 Mk II also has a more powerful engine which allows it to reach a top speed of 52 knots.
The vessel’s configuration has also been upgraded, allowing more comfort to the crew during operations.
“The role of the FIC is to support the Navy’s maritime defence efforts in improving monitoring capabilities as well as interceptions, particularly in waters that are shallow and with many islands,” Abdul Rahman said.
A demonstration by the Navy of the FIC capabilities.
“Besides that, the vessels would be utilised to support operations to curb non-traditional threats such as cross-border crimes, smuggling, human trafficking, sea robberies and piracy more effectively.
“The FIC was specially designed with features to make it more efficient, quick and precise in order to enable the RMN to respond swiftly in case such incidents took place in our waters,” he added.
Towards this end, the acquisition of the FIC, particularly for the eastern fleet, ushered in a new beginning that will enhance the navy’s efficiency, especially at coastal areas.
Abdul Rahman said threats against national security were dynamic and constantly changing, hence, it was vital the Navy was capable of responding quickly to protect the country’s sovereignty.
“The FIC acquisition is proof of the navy’s commitment to always being prepared to face various challenges,” he said.
He also praised Gading Marine for delivering the first batch of FICs on time, saying this reflected that the local defence industry, specifically in the maritime sector, was capable and could compete with companies globally.
In February 2021, the RMN had initially received six FICs of the G2000 MK I model, also from Gading Marine, in a contract reported to be worth some RM80mil, for use in the Op Benteng.
The contract for the acquisition of the 13 latest model of the FICs was signed in 2022 but the value could not be immediately ascertained.
