The Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) has confirmed that navigational error and the advanced age of the vessel led to the sinking of the KD Pendekar, a fast attack craft, off the coast of Johor in August. The incident, which took place on August 25, left the nation reeling, prompting immediate investigations into the cause of the ship’s tragic sinking. All 39 crew members onboard were safely evacuated, though the situation worsened when a diver lost his life during salvage operations. The navy’s investigative report, released on October 28, underscores the vulnerabilities of operating an older fleet and the high-risk conditions involved in post-incident recovery operations.
Commissioned in 1979, KD Pendekar was one of Malaysia’s few remaining combat-ready fast attack vessels. Built in Sweden, this 43.6-meter vessel was equipped with a 57mm Bofors main gun, a 40mm secondary gun, and Exocet anti-ship missiles. Although aged, KD Pendekar was active in TLDM’s patrols, contributing to Malaysia’s maritime security by safeguarding territorial waters and protecting vital shipping lanes in the Strait of Malacca and South China Sea. However, at 45 years old, the vessel had exceeded the recommended operational lifespan for modern naval craft of its type.
The TLDM had already acknowledged the need for fleet modernization, but financial constraints and complex procurement processes have slowed these upgrades. The KD Pendekar incident has thus spotlighted the operational risks of relying on aging vessels, raising urgent questions about the navy’s readiness in critical situations.
On August 25, KD Pendekar was en route off the coast of Johor, specifically near Tanjung Penyusop in the Kota Tinggi district. During this operation, the vessel deviated from its planned navigational route and inadvertently struck Stork Reef, an underwater hazard marked on regional maps. The collision compromised the ship’s structural integrity, causing major leaks in several compartments.
The crew, however, managed to avoid injuries and were rescued. In its detailed investigation report, the TLDM highlighted that despite the crew’s swift actions to contain the damage, the hull’s weakened condition allowed water to spread rapidly through multiple compartments, ultimately leading to the ship’s sinking. Experts from the navy have pointed out that this quick flooding is indicative of structural compromises associated with the vessel’s advanced age, which can reduce the effectiveness of onboard flood control mechanisms.
Following the sinking, salvage operations began to assess the wreckage and retrieve valuable components. Tragically, three days after the sinking, Leading Seaman I Arman San Hermansa, a navy mine clearance diver, died while conducting recovery work on the KD Pendekar. The investigative report notes that Arman was an experienced diver and had adhered to standard safety protocols before commencing the dive.
However, the TLDM’s findings revealed that challenging underwater conditions created a high-risk environment that contributed to the fatality. “Erratic currents led to mud being stirred up from the seabed, reducing visibility to approximately 30 centimeters,” the report explained. During his operation, Arman’s safety line reportedly became entangled with the wrecked vessel, complicating his attempt to return to the surface. Despite efforts to initiate emergency procedures, the conditions ultimately led to his tragic drowning.
The TLDM has since emphasized the inherent dangers in such operations, especially when involving compromised vessels in challenging marine environments. Recognizing these hazards, TLDM’s leadership conveyed their deepest condolences to Arman’s family and reiterated their commitment to the safety and preparation of their personnel.
One of the key findings of the investigation pertains to the compromised structural integrity of the KD Pendekar. The report attributes much of the rapid flooding and overall instability of the vessel to the fact that it was nearing the half-century mark, an age well beyond the standard lifespan for active naval vessels. Unlike modern ships, which incorporate improved materials and engineering techniques, KD Pendekar’s original design and construction did not anticipate the strain of prolonged service.
Maritime experts concur that aging vessels face increased risks due to metal fatigue, corrosion, and structural wear. These conditions can exacerbate the impact of minor incidents, such as a navigational error, turning them into major accidents. The navy’s report calls attention to the need for expedited decommissioning and replacement of such vessels to prevent similar occurrences in the future. TLDM’s challenges are part of a larger trend seen in regional navies, many of which face budgetary constraints impacting their ability to modernize fleets.
In light of the KD Pendekar incident, the TLDM has reaffirmed its commitment to modernization initiatives aimed at improving fleet resilience and readiness. The Malaysian government has previously discussed plans to bolster naval capabilities, including the acquisition of littoral combat ships (LCS) and multi-role support ships (MRSS). However, these plans have encountered delays due to budgetary constraints and procurement hurdles.
The KD Pendekar’s loss may accelerate these modernization efforts, as it underscores the operational and safety risks associated with deploying older vessels. TLDM’s leadership has stated that the incident serves as a “wake-up call” to ensure that the navy remains prepared to address both traditional security threats and the evolving demands of maritime operations in Southeast Asia.
Furthermore, the report’s findings highlight the need for improvements in navigational protocols, especially when operating near high-risk areas such as reefs and underwater hazards. Increased reliance on advanced navigational technology, updated mapping systems, and rigorous training for crew members in navigating sensitive zones are among the recommended improvements. A strategic shift towards adopting autonomous and remotely operated systems for reconnaissance and navigation in challenging terrains could further bolster the TLDM’s operational safety.
The KD Pendekar sinking has drawn significant attention within Malaysia and internationally, prompting discussions about regional naval capacity and the necessity for improved maritime safety protocols. Domestic stakeholders, including defense analysts and the general public, have expressed concern over the navy’s reliance on older vessels, urging the government to prioritize fleet modernization as a national security imperative.
Internationally, Malaysia’s partners in defense, particularly those in ASEAN, have shared messages of support and condolence. Given the South China Sea’s complex geopolitical dynamics, neighboring countries have a vested interest in ensuring safe navigation in shared waters. The incident has renewed calls for joint exercises and increased intelligence-sharing efforts among Southeast Asian navies to enhance maritime safety.
The incident could catalyze changes in Malaysia’s defense policy, potentially accelerating funding allocation towards fleet modernization programs. While the country’s 2024 defense budget has already outlined plans for the navy’s upgrade, including the acquisition of new assets, the KD Pendekar incident may shift priorities further in favor of enhancing naval capabilities.
This shift could also emphasize the development of a strategic reserve fleet comprising smaller, more agile vessels capable of patrolling territorial waters with greater flexibility and reduced operational costs. By modernizing its naval assets, Malaysia could improve its readiness to handle maritime incidents effectively, which is critical in maintaining national security amid rising regional tensions.
