KUCHING: The country’s first two submarines, named after two of Malaysia’s former prime ministers, will be ready to start guarding the waters off peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak next year.

Naval Region 2 Commander (Sabah and Sarawak) First Admiral Syed Zahiruddin Putra said the submarines – KD Tunku Abdul Rahman and KD Tun Abdul Razak, would reinforce the strength and capability of Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM).

The navy officers assigned to man the submarines are also expected to complete their training in Europe soon. The submarines are also expected to be based in Sepanggar Bay, Sabah.

“These submarines, equipped with  advanced and sophisticated technology originating from France and Spain, are expected to start operations next March.

“With these submarines, the TLDM will be able to further safeguard the peace and security of Malaysian waters,” he told reporters yesterday during a visit to the Resident Naval Officer in Kuching, Commander Roslan Othman at Jalan Datuk Abang Abdul Rahim here.

Zahiruddin’s purpose of visit to Kuching was to extend personal invitation to Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin to visit the Region 2’s Naval Base in Sepanggar Bay, Kota Kinabalu from July 14 to 16.

Asked about the latest development on the planned TLDM base here, he said the RM280 million project on a 39-acre site at Sejingkat would be expected to commence construction soon after it was delayed from last year.

“The TLDM Sejingkat base is included in the current Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) and thus it is expected to commence construction anytime from now. Based on the original plan, the construction works are divided into two phases – the first one involves administrative blocks, offices, quarters and sports complex,” he said, adding that his superiors had been informed of the delay.

On other developments, he said TLDM was encouraging the participation of women in the force.

He added that six women officers were recently appointed to be on TLDM ships during a recent operation.

“We give opportunity to women to take up important positions previously monopolised by the men. However, the number of women cannot exceed more than six per cent of the total workforce in TLDM,” he said.

He was also happy with the number of non-Bumiputeras in TLDM, but he hoped that the many incentives and lure of a good pay would attract more non-Bumiputera to apply to join the navy. TLDM also has four ships – KD Kedah, KD Pahang, KD Baung and KD Sri Tiga and one vessel MV Mahsuri.