Malaysia must upgrade navy to strengthen security, say experts

New Straits Times

28-04-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must urgently modernise its naval capabilities to safeguard its sovereignty and ensure regional stability, according to defence experts.
National Defence University of Malaysia's Centre for Defence and International Security Studies director Professor Dr Adam Leong Kok Wey said that the Royal Malaysian Navy required additional new, technologically advanced assets to detect incursions, maintain a strong presence, and deter potential security risks.
"A modern, combat-capable fleet with sufficient operational readiness, capable of performing and sustaining a high tempo of naval operations, would also serve as a potent and credible deterrent against strategic threats," he told the New Straits Times today.
"For Malaysia to be respected as an important middle power, we need to demonstrate our resolve and seriousness in defending our national interests and supporting regional security efforts to keep our region safe, secure, open, and inclusive," he added.
Leong said that Malaysia's neutral foreign policy stance heavily relied on its ability to defend itself, without depending on foreign powers to counter external threats.
He said that Malaysia's extensive coastlines, territorial waters, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and continental shelves, recognised under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, were vital economic zones.
These maritime areas provide essential resources, from oil and gas to shipping logistics and fisheries.
Echoing similar sentiments, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Research Centre for History, Politics and International Affairs expert Dr Aizat Khairi said that as a maritime nation, Malaysia's security and economy were heavily reliant on the protection of its sea lanes and EEZ.
"Priority should be given to acquiring the littoral combat ships and LMS Batch 3 for coastal and EEZ defence, anti-submarine warfare helicopters to counter the growing submarine threat, and Multi-Role Support Ships for regional humanitarian and security missions," he said.
He added that delaying modernisation efforts would leave Malaysia vulnerable to maritime incursions, undermine its regional standing, and expose key trade routes to potential threats.
Yesterday, Navy Chief Admiral Datuk Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain said that the Royal Malaysian Navy's modernisation plans must be expedited to enhance its maritime defence capabilities.
He said that the acquisition of new vessels under the 15-to-5 Transformation Plan would act as an "insurance" for national sovereignty.
This push for modernisation is being realised through RMN's 15-to-5 Transformation Plan, which aims to streamline operations and enhance maritime defence by reducing the navy's fleet from 15 ship classes to five.