Naval networking: Warships from Asean region docking at Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal for naval events from Aug 15 to 22 under Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship 2025. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Ten warships carrying 1,600 crew members have berthed at Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal for a week to strengthen regional naval ties.
This comes ahead of the Asean Navies’ City Parade (ANCP) at the Esplanade in Padang Kota Lama tomorrow.
The public will also be allowed to board several of them to see their systems up close.
Seven of the warships are from other Asean nations and three from the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).
RMN offshore patrol vessel KD Kedah arrived yesterday to mark a series of maritime defence events until Aug 22 under Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship 2025.
It was followed by frigates KD Lekiu and KD Lekir, corvettes RSS Vigour (Singapore), BRP Antonio Luna (Philippines), KRI Bung Tomo (Indonesia), VPNS Quang Trung (Vietnam), UMS Kin Sin Phyu (Myanmar) and patrol vessels HTMS Krabi (Thailand) and KDB Darulaman (Brunei).
Penang will also host three key Asean naval events during the week in George Town and Batu Ferringhi – the 19th Asean Navy Chiefs’ Meeting (ANCM), the third Asean Multilateral Naval Exercise (Amnex) and the Asean Fleet Review (AFR).
ANCM working committee deputy chairman Rear Admiral Datuk Pahlawan Mohd Fadzli Kamal Mohd Mohaldin said Amnex’s opening ceremony and “Port Phase” today will enable officers to finalise plans for joint sea exercises.
RMN is also hosting the Naval Engineering Conference on the same day, where regional naval engineers will share innovations under the theme “Innovation and Technology Towards Improving Ship Survivability at Sea”.
He said the ANCP was an RMN initiative to promote naval traditions to the public.
“Its hosting in Penang holds historical significance for RMN, recalling the International Royal Fleet Review in May 1990, which involved 59 warships and 11,000 naval personnel from around the world.
“Activities will include marching of Asean and local contingents, cultural performances, maritime asset salutes, RMN helicopter flypasts and more,” he said.
On Tuesday, the ANCM will bring together navy chiefs from all Asean countries to discuss maritime security, peace and stability at Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort.
Delegates will then attend the Asean Chief Navy Interaction Programme at Penang Hill on Wednesday, which includes a tree-planting ceremony and the launch of the Asean Harmony Grove to mark Asean navies’ commitment to the Asean Green Initiative.
The AFR on Thursday will see all participating warships sail in formation through the northern strait.
Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib is scheduled to attend as guest of honour.
Malaysia assumed the role of Asean Chair this year with the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.
