RMN fleet now has eastern and western fleet commands

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KUALA LUMPUR: The command of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Fleet has been divided into two, namely the Western Fleet Command and Eastern Fleet Command, which aimed at giving extra focus and attention to maritime security in Sabah and Sarawak.

RMN chief Admiral Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin said the division was made based on the perspective that Malaysia is a resourceful maritime country and that its natural resources, such as oil and gas, should be well protected.

He said the RMN Fleet was previously under a single command at the RMN Base in Lumut, Perak, led by the RMN Fleet Commander.

“Now, the government has approved for the RMN Fleet command to be divided into two, namely into the Western Fleet in Lumut, and the Eastern Fleet in Kota Kinabalu.

“Security wise, the current maritime activities and development in the South China Sea and in the Sulu waters in Eastern Sabah require the government to give high level of focus and attention to ensure maritime security for the two states.” Ahmad Kamarulzaman said the commands of the two fleets would officially take effect in April or May. – Bernama

He said this to reporters after the conferment of ranks for RMN senior officers and volunteer officers here yesterday, which saw Rear Admiral Datuk Syed Zahiruddin Putra Syed Osman be appointed as the first Eastern Fleet Commander.