LUMUT: The Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, has officiated the launch and naming ceremony of the Navy's second Littoral Combat Ship (LCS).
The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, also graced the ceremony at the Naval base here on Thursday (July 3).
The vessel was named "Raja Muda Nala", and as a symbolic gesture, water kept in a jar and blessed with Surah Yasin recitation from nine mosques – representing Selangor's nine districts – was released onto the ship's bow.
The naming and launching of a ship is a naval tradition dating, serving as an identity before a new vessel is officially commissioned into service.
Also present were Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, Navy Chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain, Air Force Chief Gen Datuk Muhamad Norazlan Aris and Lumut Naval Shipyard (Lunas) chief executive officer Azhar Jumaat.
Meanwhile, Adly, when delivering the speech on behalf of Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, said the name Raja Muda Nala was chosen in honour of a renowned national warrior who led the people of Selangor in resisting Dutch control over the state.
He said the name symbolises the determination, courage and fighting spirit of the warrior in defending the sovereignty of Selangor.
"In this context, the valour, struggle and bravery of Raja Muda Nala are seen as highly fitting and aligned with the capabilities of the Navy's LCS, which is designed to face a wide range of threats in modern warfare," he said.
He also said the procurement of littoral combat ships is part of the Navy's strategic plan to enhance fleet readiness through the acquisition of high-tech, combat-capable assets with multi-mission capabilities to safeguard the country's maritime sovereignty.
Adly noted that LCS 2 is a symbol of national pride as it is the first frigate-class ship to be fully constructed by a local company, Lunas.
"The construction of this ship began with the keel-laying ceremony on Feb 28, 2017. This achievement indirectly reflects the capabilities of local talents in realising the country's aspirations to compete in the global heavy industry and defence sector," he said.
"The role of Lumut Naval Shipyard is also crucial in stimulating the growth of the national maritime industry, not only in defence but also in shipbuilding and repair, technology transfer and upskilling of local subcontractors," he added.
Previously, the first LCS (LCS 1) was launched in accordance with the contractual schedule on May 23, 2024. It began its Set-to-Work (STW) phase in May 2025 and is expected to undergo its maiden sea trial in December this year.
LCS 2 previously completed its downslip process – being lowered into the water – on May 8.
As of May 25, the overall progress of the construction of all five LCS stood at 72.43%. – Bernama
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