KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Navy's withdrawal of ships for a refit maintenance programme will not affect the force's surveillance operations in the South China Sea.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the refit programme was well-planned to ensure the navy's operational readiness is always at an optimal level.
"The number of ships in a squadron has been scheduled to undergo the refit programme on a rotational basis, except in the case of any unforeseen emergencies," he said in a parliamentary reply yesterday to Commander Nordin Ahmad Ismail (Rtd) (PN-Lumut).
Nordin inquired whether the withdrawal of the navy ships from active operational status to undergo a refit maintenance programme would jeopardise the readiness of the force, amid the incidence of maritime intrusion in Malaysia's Exclusive Economic Zone.
Khaled saidthat given the complementary nature of the country's defence efforts, the navy also collaborates with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency in conducting patrols and surveillance, as well as demonstrating a show of presence in the South China Sea.
"Therefore, ships that do not undergo refit maintenance programme can be assigned on a rotational basis, alongside MMEA assets to respond to any maritime intrusion incidents in Malaysia's Exclusive Economic Zone.
"At the same time, the navy also ensures that Maritime Domain Awareness remains at the highest level, and the sovereignty of Malaysia's Maritime Zone is consistently preserved."
He said the ministry is always committed to carrying out the entrusted duties and responsibilities to defend the nation's sovereignty.
"This includes ensuring that assets are kept in optimal readiness to address any security threats in the country's waters, particularly in the South China Sea."
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