Singapore and Malaysia Navies Conduct 40th Anniversary of Bilateral Exercise Malapura

Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) ships sailing in formation.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) concluded the sea phase of the 32nd edition of bilateral Exercise Malapura. This year’s exercise, which runs from 13 to 23 November 2024, marks Exercise Malapura’s 40th anniversary. The RSN deployed a Formidable-class frigate, RSS Supreme, with an S-70B naval helicopter embarked, and two Victory-class missile corvettes, RSS Valiant and RSS Vigilance. The RMN deployed a Lekiu-class frigate, KD Lekiu, with a Fennec helicopter embarked, a Kasturi-class corvette, KD Lekir and a Handalan-class Fast Attack Craft KD Gempita. Two Royal Malaysian Air Force SU-30MKM fighter aircraft and two fast combat boats also took part in the exercise.

During the shore phase held at Changi Naval Base from 13 to 16 November, sailors from both navies conducted professional exchanges, exercise planning and sports activities. The sea phase of the exercise took place in the Malacca Strait from 17 to 20 November, where both navies conducted air defence exercises, gunnery firings, maritime security drills, and communication and manoeuvring serials.

At the opening ceremony on 14 November, RSN Fleet Commander, Rear-Admiral (RADM) Kwan Hon Chuong highlighted the importance of the exercise in strengthening the professionalism and friendship between both navies. He said, “Exercise Malapura is the cornerstone of the bilateral relationship between our navies and continues to be a vital exercise for the RSN. We have progressively enhanced our collaboration and strengthened friendships amongst the sailors as the exercise serials become increasingly complex and challenging. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of our shared emphasis in regional maritime security.”

The closing ceremony will be held at Langkawi Naval Base on 23 November and will be co-officiated by RADM Kwan and RMN Western Fleet Commander Vice-Admiral Mohamad Azuwan bin Harun. RSN Chief of Navy RADM Sean Wat and RMN Chief of Navy Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy bin Ithnain attended the opening ceremony and will also be attending the closing ceremony to commemorate Exercise Malapura’s 40th anniversary.

First held in 1984, Exercise Malapura highlights the warm and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Malaysia. The RSN and the RMN interact regularly across a wide range of activities, including bilateral exercises, professional exchanges, visits, and multilateral activities under the ambit of the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)/ADMM-Plus. The two navies also work alongside each other to reinforce maritime security through the Malacca Straits Patrol. These interactions have enhanced the practical cooperation and professional ties between both navies.

RSS Vigilance embarking Sea Riders from the RMN.

RSN crew conducting gunnery exercise on simulated small boat threats.

RMN Commander Naval Region 1 RADM Dato' Baharudin bin Wan Md Nor (3rd from left, front row), RSN Chief of Navy RADM Sean Wat, RMN Chief of Navy ADM Datuk Zulhelmy bin Ithnain and RSN Fleet Commander RADM Kwan Hon Chuong, together with commanders from both navies at the Opening ceremony.