Malaysian and Indonesian navies conduct bilateral exercises in waters off Sabah’s capital

KOTA KINABALU: Malaysian and Indonesian navy personnel are involved in a bilateral exercise in which assets from both naval forces are being deployed in waters off the Sabah capital.

The seven-day Malaysia-Indonesia bilateral exercise (Malindo Jaya), which will end on Sunday (June 30), is being held at the navy base in Sepanggar near here and in the South China Sea.

The Eastern Fleet Headquarters’ strategic communications department said the Malaysian Navy assets deployed for the activity include the vessels KD Selangor and KD Rencong and an AW319 helicopter.

At the same time, the Indonesian Navy utilised its ships KRI Frans Kaisiepo and Kri Sampari and an AS565 Panther chopper.

“Throughout this activity, a diverse range of exercises at the base were carried out, including a table-top exercise and an operations officer brainstorming session,” the department said in a statement on Saturday (June 29).

“The training at sea covered various aspects of conventional warfare and maritime security,” it added.

Commander of the Eastern Fleet, Vice Admiral Datuk Muhammad Ruzelme Ahmad Fahimy, had earlier opened the exercise in a ceremony witnessed by the Chief of Staff of The Indonesian Navy’s Second Fleet, First Admiral Isswarto, on June 24.

The strategic communications department added that besides maritime exercises, personnel from both naval forces also fostered their rapport through sports and social activities.

The social activities included the official Malaysia-Indonesia bilateral exercise (Malindo) dinner, which was organised by the Malaysian Navy. The deck reception was handled by the Indonesian Navy.

“The Malindo Jaya 27AB/24 exercises have strengthened friendships and improved cooperation and interoperability between the Indonesian and the Malaysian Navy.

“The Malaysian Navy would like to thank the Indonesian Navy for their cooperation and commitment to make the exercise a success,” it said.