Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor launches RMN's second LCS ‘Raja Muda Nala'
Accompanied by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, the ceremony included a traditional naval ritual where blessed water from nine Selangor mosques—representing each district—was poured onto the ship's bow. This age-old practice, rooted in naval heritage, symbolises the vessel's formal induction into RMN service.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, and top military officials, including Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar and Navy Chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain, were present. Lumut Naval Shipyard (Lunas) CEO Azhar Jumaat also attended the event.
The LCS program strengthens Malaysia's maritime defence, with 'Raja Muda Nala' poised to enhance operational readiness. The naming ceremony underscores RMN's commitment to modernising its fleet while preserving naval traditions.
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 Royal Malaysian Navy's Littoral Combat Ship, 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 RMN'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 per cent.
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The Star
15 hours ago
- The Star
Tengku Permaisuri Selangor launches 'Raja Muda Nala', Navy's second LCS
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.
The Sun
15 hours ago
- The Sun
Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor launches RMN's second LCS ‘Raja Muda Nala'
LUMUT: The Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, presided over the launching and naming ceremony of the Royal Malaysian Navy's (RMN) second Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) at the RMN Base here. The vessel, named 'Raja Muda Nala,' signifies a crucial addition to Malaysia's naval capabilities. Accompanied by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, the ceremony included a traditional naval ritual where blessed water from nine Selangor mosques—representing each district—was poured onto the ship's bow. This age-old practice, rooted in naval heritage, symbolises the vessel's formal induction into RMN service. Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, and top military officials, including Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar and Navy Chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain, were present. Lumut Naval Shipyard (Lunas) CEO Azhar Jumaat also attended the event. The LCS program strengthens Malaysia's maritime defence, with 'Raja Muda Nala' poised to enhance operational readiness. The naming ceremony underscores RMN's commitment to modernising its fleet while preserving naval traditions. 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 Royal Malaysian Navy's Littoral Combat Ship, 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 RMN'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 per cent.
New Straits Times
15 hours ago
- New Straits Times
LCS 2 launched in Lumut, honours Raja Muda Nala's legacy
LUMUT: Malaysia's second home-built Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), named Raja Muda Nala, honours a national hero who led the people of Selangor in their struggle against Dutch rule. The vessel is a symbol of national pride, as it is the first frigate-class ship to be fully constructed by a local company, Lumut Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (LUNAS). The Raja Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, officiated the launch of LCS 2, witnessed by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, at LUNAS, located at the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) naval base here this morning. Also present were Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari; Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan; Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar; RMN chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain; and Royal Malaysian Air Force chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris. As a symbolic gesture to mark the launch of LCS 2, a kendi, a traditional water pitcher, was ceremoniously smashed against the bow of the ship. The water in the kendi had been collected from nine mosques, each representing one of the nine districts in Selangor, and was blessed through the recitation of Surah Yasin by the Imam of the Selangor State Mosque. Adly, who read a speech on behalf of his minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, said the name Raja Muda Nala was chosen in honour of a revered national hero who led the people of Selangor in their resistance against Dutch domination. "He was appointed Raja Muda by his brother, Sultan Ibrahim, in 1782. Throughout his life, Raja Muda Nala played an important role as a regional nobleman of Selangor before passing away in Aceh, Sumatra, in 1788 while assisting the Aceh Sultanate in suppressing a rebellion by the Dusun people in Pedir. "His military contributions were particularly prominent through his involvement in the wars against the Dutch in Melaka, as well as his efforts to defend Bukit Malawati alongside Sultan Ibrahim. "Although Raja Muda Nala was eventually forced to retreat to Pahang, he returned to fight alongside others to recapture Bukit Malawati in 1785," he said. He added that this legacy indirectly reflects the extraordinary courage and determination that should be emulated by every member of the Malaysian Armed Forces and the people of this country. "In this context, the spirit of heroism, struggle, and bravery of Raja Muda Nala is seen as highly fitting and aligned with the capabilities of the RMN's LCS, which is designed to face various threats in the era of modern warfare," he said. He noted that, as a mark of respect for Raja Muda Nala's contributions and legacy, his name is now immortalised on the ship launched today. "This illustrious name will become a symbol of the steadfast fighting spirit and strength of the RMN's fleet in defending the sovereignty and maritime interests of our beloved nation," he said. He added that the ceremony, a longstanding maritime tradition, is also a special and meaningful moment in the life of a ship. "The event marks a significant milestone before the vessel is officially handed over and commissioned into service with the RMN. "The name given to the ship will remain its identity throughout its lifetime and will become a source of pride for all who serve on board. "In today's increasingly complex regional and global security landscape, the role of the RMN has become ever more challenging," he said. As such, he said, the acquisition is part of the RMN's strategic plan to strengthen fleet readiness by acquiring high-tech, combat-capable assets capable of conducting a wide range of maritime operations to defend national waters. "The second LCS is a symbol of national pride, as it is the first frigate-class vessel to be fully constructed by Lunas. "The construction process began with the keel-laying ceremony on Feb 28, 2017."
