Malaysian Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship Project Under Scrutiny
PETALING JAYA: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament is set to discuss the progress of the Malaysian Navy’s littoral combat ship (LCS) project on February 4. This meeting follows a recent site visit to the Lumut naval shipyard, where committee members were briefed on the project’s status and challenges. The LCS program, which began in 2011, has faced significant delays and controversies, prompting ongoing scrutiny from government bodies.
PAC chairman Mas Ermieyati Samsudin confirmed that the upcoming meeting will focus on the outcomes of the site visit and the latest developments in the project. “This is the PAC’s third visit to monitor the project, following earlier proceedings,” she stated. During the visit, committee members inspected the construction progress of LCS1, which is currently underway, and viewed LCS2 and LCS3 from the outside. Representatives from various governmental departments, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the finance ministry, were also present to provide insights into the project.
Challenges and Future of the LCS Program
The littoral combat ship program was initially launched with a contract worth RM6 billion for the construction of six frigates. However, the project encountered significant setbacks, leading to a government investigation and a temporary suspension of work. Although construction resumed in 2020, the program was later scaled back to five ships in 2024. This reduction reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the project, which has raised concerns about its timeline and budget.
Mas Ermieyati emphasized that the PAC will continue to monitor the project’s progress to ensure that the vessels are completed within the agreed timeline and budget. The frigates, based on the French-designed Gowind class, are expected to be the most advanced and largest warships in the Malaysian navy’s fleet. The first ship, the Maharajalela, was recently towed out to sea to commence initial sea trials.
Once operational, the 3,100-tonne Maharajalela will feature advanced weaponry, including a 57mm main gun, a 16-cell vertical launch missile system, and eight naval strike missiles. Additionally, it is anticipated to carry unmanned aerial systems and maritime helicopters. The ship will have a range of 5,000 nautical miles (9,260 km) and a top speed of 28 knots (52 km/h), enhancing the operational capabilities of the Malaysian Navy in regional waters.
