The following news piece was published two years ago, concerning
the Malaysian efforts to build up the submarine unit.
DAILY EXPRESS
NEWS
Naval base ready by 2009
12 June, 2007
Kota Kinabalu: The nearly RM1 billion
Sepanggar Bay naval base near here is expected to be
fully-operational within two years, in time for the delivery of the
country's first two Scorpene submarines.
Speaking to reporters after getting a briefing on the
development of the naval base in his first visit to the facility,
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the
implementation of the project was proceeding smoothly.
He said the base was of strategic importance to the Royal
Malaysian Navy and the Malaysian armed forces as it would be home
to two submarines to be delivered shortly.
"Yes, it will serve as the nerve centre for monitoring
operations in the South China Sea and Sulu Sea," said Najib, who is
Defence Minister.
He said between 2,000 and 2,500 personnel would be stationed at
the facility by 2009, and the figure would swell to more than 6,000
if their dependents were included.
Najib said, to date, the Government had spent more than RM600
million on the project and RM300 million more was needed for its
completion.
The naval base would also benefit those in the surrounding areas
as they could share, for example, sports facilities with navy
personnel.
"This will enable our people to forge close relations with those
living in nearby areas," he said, adding that the presence of
foreign vessels berthing at the base would also indirectly boost
the economy of the surrounding area, especially the State
capital.
Meanwhile, he said the Government has approved special
incentives of between RM600 and RM3,000 monthly for Royal Malaysian
Navy (RMN) personnel in submarine service.
Najib announced that the Submarine Service Incentive Payment
would be backdated to Jan. 1, 2005.
He said the incentive would be paid from the start of training
and based on their qualifications and expertise.
The RMN officers undergoing submarine training would receive
RM800 while other ranks RM600 and having completed the training,
the officers would receive RM1,400 while other ranks RM1,100.
"When they reach the level of experts, their allowances will be
raised to RM1,900 monthly for officers and RM1,500 for other
ranks," he said, adding that the submarine commanding officer would
receive RM3,000.
Since 2005, 145 RMN personnel including 49 officers are being
trained at the Ecole Formation de Sous Marine, Brest in France to
enable them to operate submarines safely and effectively.
Accompanying Najib were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman,
Army Chief, General Tan Sri Hj Abdul Aziz Zainal, Defence Ministry
Secretary-General, Datuk Sri Ahmad Latffi Hashim, Navy Chief, Tan
Sri Ramlan Mohamed Ali and Commander Naval Region Two (Sabah and
Sarawak), Rear Admiral Datuk Ahmad Kamaruzaman as well as
Karambunai Assemblywoman, Jainab Ahmad.
http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=50591
