Anwar confident LCS project will be completed on time
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is confident that the Royal Malaysian Navy's (RMN) Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project will be completed on schedule, with no compromise on integrity and governance.
Anwar, who began his official visit to Perak this morning, also said the project represents a historic achievement as it is being built entirely from scratch by local talent through their skills, capabilities and expertise.
"I have strong confidence that with the firm commitment of the RMN and the shipbuilder, Lumut Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (Lunas), the project can be completed successfully, placing the sovereignty of our national waters at an excellent and exemplary level," he said on Facebook.
Earlier, Anwar attended a project briefing session before visiting the LCS1, which is currently undergoing testing.
Present during Anwar's visit were Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari and Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar.
Also present were Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Navy Chief Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain.
In a statement issued in conjunction with Anwar's visit, the Defence Ministry said the second ship, LCS 2, was successfully downslipped (lowered into the water) on May 8 and is now undergoing subsequent construction work.
It is expected to begin the Setting to Work (STW) phase in September this year.
The ministry said the first ship, LCS 1, was downslipped as scheduled on May 23, last year and began its STW phase in May this year, where the vessel is scheduled for its first sea sailing in December.
It added that as of May 25, the overall progress for all five LCS vessels stood at 72.43 per cent.
The ministry also assured that strict monitoring is being carried out in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
It said that the construction of LCS 3 to LCS 5 remains on schedule, with LCS 3 expected to be delivered in 2027, followed by the remaining ships at eight-month intervals, with the final vessel, LCS 5, slated for completion in 2029.
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