KOTA KINABALU, The Samudera Perkasa Timur 2/2024 Exercise has enhanced the interoperability and mutual understanding of the maritime community in ensuring regional stability and security, especially in the South China Sea.

The Eastern Fleet Command Headquarters in Kota Kinabalu, in a statement today, said that the integrated exercise was held in Kota Kinabalu from Sept 23 to 27, involving the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).

‘The exercise involved two RMN ships, namely KD Kelantan and KD Renchong, as well as a Maritime Helicopter (HOM). This exercise also involved elements from RMN’s Naval Special Forces (PASKAL) and MMEA’s Special Task and Rescue (STAR) Team in a series of High-Risk Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) drills,’ the statement said.

According to the statement, the theme of the exercise focused on Warfare and Search and Rescue (SAR) in line with the six-year roadmap (2023-2028) that has been developed.

The statement added that the exercis
e was officiated by Deputy Eastern Fleet Commander, First Admiral Mohd Norizal Fahrudi on Wednesday, while the closing ceremony yesterday by MMEA Sabah and Labuan director, First Admiral Datuk Che Engku Suhaimi Che Engku Daik.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency