The construction of the four Littoral Mission Ships (LMS), purchased by Malaysia from China, will be done by a joint venture between Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd and China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co Ltd.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the construction of the ships, procured in conjunction with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's official visit to the Republic of China, would be monitored by his ministry and the State Administration for Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence (SASTIND) of the Republic of China.
"Yesterday, PM Najib Razak has announced the purchase of four LMS in conjunction with his official visit to China. This landmark decision marks the first time in history Malaysia will be procuring a defence asset from China.
"The first LMS will be ready within 24 months upon contract signing and the allocation for the purchase is Off-Budget, which means the funding will come from the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) through savings acquired from the 15-5 Transformation Programme," he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page today.
He said this was part of the several initiatives to achieve 'efficiency savings' where the RMN would be decommissioning old vessels that cost a lot to operate and maintain and channelling these funds to buy newer ships which have the latest equipment to obtain operational and maintenance savings.
Through this transformation, the RMN Armada would be revamped to only five classes of ships from 15, he said.
"I believe that this is a creative, transformative and cost-effective initiative to improve our asset base to ensure defence remains a top priority.
"In fact, the acquisition of the LMS also meets the RMN's requirements based on the concept of 'fit for purpose', designed to conduct multi missions in a challenging littoral environment. The LMS also meets international maritime standards," he explained.
Hishammuddin, who is among the Malaysian delegates for the six-day visit, which began Monday, said two of the LMS would be built in China, while the other two would be made in Malaysia. -- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Nov 02 2016
HISHAMMUDDIN: The acquisition of the LMS also meets the RMN's requirements based on the concept of 'fit for purpose', designed to conduct multi missions in a challenging littoral environment." - Filepic
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.