Public Accounts Committee Reviews Littoral Combat Ship Project Progress
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, following a site visit to the Lumut naval shipyard. This meeting comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the project, which has faced significant delays and controversy since its inception.
PAC chairman Mas Ermieyati Samsudin announced that the upcoming meeting will focus on the outcomes of the recent site visit and the current status of the LCS project. This marks the committee’s third visit to monitor the initiative, which aims to construct six advanced frigates under a RM6 billion contract. The project has faced numerous challenges, leading to a government investigation and a temporary suspension before work resumed in 2020.
During the recent visit, PAC members were briefed on the construction progress, project timelines, and obstacles encountered. They inspected LCS1, which is currently under construction, and viewed LCS2 and LCS3 from the outside. Representatives from various governmental bodies, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the finance ministry, were also present to provide oversight.
Challenges and Future of the LCS Program
The littoral combat ship program was launched in 2011, but it has experienced significant setbacks, prompting concerns about its viability. Originally planned for six ships, the program has now been reduced to five vessels. The first ship, named Maharajalela, was recently towed out to sea to commence initial sea trials, marking a critical milestone in the project.
The Maharajalela-class frigates, based on the French-designed Gowind class, are set to become the most advanced and largest warships in the Malaysian Navy. Once operational, the 3,100-tonne Maharajalela will be equipped with a 57mm main gun, a 16-cell vertical launch missile system, and eight naval strike missiles. Additionally, it is expected to carry unmanned aerial systems and maritime helicopters.
With a range of 5,000 nautical miles (approximately 9,260 kilometers) and a top speed of 28 knots (52 kilometers per hour), the Maharajalela is designed to enhance the operational capabilities of the Malaysian Navy. The PAC has committed to ongoing monitoring of the project to ensure that the vessels are completed within the agreed timeline and budget, reflecting the government’s dedication to addressing the challenges faced by the LCS initiative.
