JOHOR BAHRU, 28 SEPT – The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), the country and Johor got a new naval base at the southern peninsula state.
The brand-new Johor Bahru RMN Base in Bandar Bahru Permas Jaya, Masai signals the country’s serious effort in strengthening its safety and security of its sovereignty.
The base also encompasses the RMN Reserve Command Headquarters.
Its strategic location and modern facilities at the southern part of peninsular Malaysia is poised to play a vital role in ensuring the RMN’s readiness and effectiveness.
Sultan Ibrahim autographed a plaque to symbolise the establishment of the Johor Bahru RMN base.
It comes at a time when Malaysia faces evolving security challenges and is seen as a crucial asset in maintaining a safe and secure maritime environment.
Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar graced the Johor Bahru RMN Base’s inauguration, steeped in naval tradition, on Wednesday.
His Majesty took the salute and inspected a guard-of-honour mounted by three officers and 103 ratings, led by Lieutenant-Commander Norman Ahmad Shaip, from the Lumut-based KD Malaya.
The event saw a fast-rappelling drop of the RMN’s special forces members – KD Panglima Hitam – from the navy’s maritime operations helicopter.
Sultan Ibrahim later autographed a plaque to symbolise the establishment of the Johor Bahru RMN base.
An RMN statement said that the base was so named owing to its proximity to the Johor capital, taking into account the nearest largest city.
The base, it said, was located at Lots 1827 and 50731, Mukim Plentong, Johor Bahru with an area of 47 acres (19.02ha) – 17 acres of built-up space and the rest for future development.
“The project began on Dec 20, 2016 and was completed on March 6, 2020,
Sultan Ibrahim inspected a guard-of-honour mounted by three officers and 103 ratings, led by Lieutenant-Commander Norman Ahmad Shaip, from the Lumut-based KD Malaya.
“This new base will house the RMN’s Reserve Command Headquarters (that shifted out from the RMN’s Reserve Division on Feb 10, 2020) and KD Sri Medini that was previously stationed at the Tebrau Camp.
“The RMN Johor Bahru base provides a training centre complete with the latest military requirement, infrastructure and comfortable quarters for officers and recruits,” said the statement.
The RMN Reserve Command Headquarters is responsible for drafting policies, and the training structure and implementation for naval reservists.
It also doubles up as an integrated naval reservist training centre and an RMN garrison in the south of the peninsular Malaysia.
The base is a testament to the country’s commitment to enhance its defense capabilities and underscores the importance of the armed forces in protecting national interests.
Present at the base’s inauguration were Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar Sultan Ibrahim, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Utama Mohamad Hasan, Defence Forces chief General Tan Sri Mohammad Abdul Rahman and RMN chief Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Ayob. – airtimes.my
