By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, March 24: The Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN) upcoming base in Muara Tebas, Kuching, under the Region 4 Naval Headquarters (Markas Wilayah Laut 4 or Mawilla 4) has the potential to serve as a strategic submarine transit point.
RMN chief Admiral Datuk Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain said the natural features of the waters at the base site, which are sufficiently deep at 14 metres and not shallow, make it ideal for submarine docking operations.
“There is no issue for submarines to use this base as a transit point. As for its potential as a forward operating base for submarines, I would say there is a possibility,” he said at a press conference after a working visit to the site earlier this morning.
He added that the sea depth and overall area could accommodate vessels measuring between 100 and 120 metres in length, making it suitable for naval docking and resupply activities.
Originally proposed to be built in Samalaju, Bintulu, the location of Mawilla 4 was shifted to Muara Tebas due to several considerations.
Zulhelmy further noted that the feasibility study for the development of the naval base is being carried out by the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), which owns the project site. The study is expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year.
“SEDC is currently conducting the study. Once approval is obtained from the Ministry of Defence, construction could begin, potentially taking around three years,” he said, adding that the project is listed as a priority under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13).
“If we secure early approval, construction could begin ahead of schedule.”
Zulhelmy also assured that the development would not involve any relocation of residents in Kampung Goeblit or the surrounding areas.
“There will be no displacement of villagers. In fact, this project is expected to bring prosperity to the local community,” he added.
Among those present during the visit were Defence Force Chief Gen Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar; Sarawak Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (MEESTY), Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni; SEDC chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain; and other invited guests. — DayakDaily
