LUMUT, June 4 — The Maharaja Lela-class littoral combat ship (LCS) 1 is to be handed over to the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) in August 2026, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The construction of the country’s first LCS met the planned milestone, he said.
He said the ship was successfully launched into the water on May 23 after receiving approval from the design team, quality control authorities, and the RMN.
“Now, it’s about installing equipment and tools on the ship. Some have already been installed, some have yet to be installed.
“After that, in December, harbour trials will be conducted, and after all equipment is installed, sea trials will be conducted,” he told a press conference today after inspecting the construction of the ship at the Lumut Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd.
Khaled added that the construction of the remaining four LCS was progressing well in accordance with established plans.
In a separate, earlier event, he handed over contributions to the families of the April 23 helicopter crash victims.
In another event, Khaled met with Lumut Naval Base personnel and presented a mock cheque for RM38.04 million to its commander Jamaludin Sairi, for this year’s maintenance of the Armed Forces Family Housing and the Lumut Naval Base Accommodation Blocks.
— Bernama
