TYT Wan Junaidi underscores maritime security, reaffirms support for naval defence

KUCHING (Jan 8): Safeguarding Sarawak’s waters, particularly off Bintulu and Miri, remains a top priority in ensuring national defence and security, said Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

According to a posting on his official Facebook page, Wan Junaidi made the remarks during a courtesy call by Western Fleet Commander of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Vice Admiral Datuk Baharudin Wan Md Nor at his official residence in Petra Jaya.

His wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, was also present.

The visit was attended by Chief Executive Officer of Lumut Naval Shipyard (Lunas) Sdn Bhd Azhar Jumaat, alongside senior officers from the RMN and Lunas.

During the meeting, Wan Junaidi highlighted the strategic significance of Sarawak’s maritime areas and stressed the need for continuous vigilance and capability enhancement to protect its waters, particularly in key coastal regions.

Meanwhile, Baharudin and Azhar presented an official invitation to Wan Junaidi and Fauziah to attend the naming and launching ceremony of Littoral Combat Ship 3 (LCS 3) at the Lumut Naval Shipyard in Perak on Feb 9.

They also briefed the couple on the progress of the construction of LCS 3, including the latest developments in the project.

According to maritime tradition, the selection of a ‘Lady Sponsor’ for a ship naming ceremony is regarded as a high honour, symbolising blessings and prayers for the safety of the vessel and its crew.

Wan Junaidi and Fauziah expressed their appreciation to RMN and Lunas for the invitation and conveyed their best wishes for the smooth organisation of the upcoming ceremony.

They noted that their upcoming participation reflects Sarawak’s support for efforts to strengthen national maritime sovereignty and the development of the local defence industry.

Also present were Baharudin’s wife Datin Shafiqah Ismail, Azhar’s wife Noor Afzan Md Noordin, First Admiral Ir Ts Franklin Jeyasekhar Joseph, Director-General of the Littoral Combat Ship Programme, and Commander Ts Mohamad Idrus Mat Zain from the RMN ceremonial secretariat.