In a move that could significantly enhance Malaysia’s maritime defense posture in the South China Sea, the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) is considering establishing a forward submarine operating base at the future Markas Wilayah Laut 4 (MAWILLA 4) in Muara Tebas, Kuching. This strategic recalibration could have far-reaching geopolitical implications.
RMN Chief Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain recently highlighted Muara Tebas’ suitability for submarine operations due to its natural maritime characteristics. The site’s gently sloping seabed and depth of up to 14 meters make it ideal for docking and resupplying diesel-electric submarines, such as Malaysia’s Scorpène-class platforms.
“For Muara Tebas to serve as a submarine transit hub, there is no issue. However, the potential for it to become a forward operating base for our submarines — I would say that is a distinct possibility,” Admiral Zulhelmy stated during a high-level site visit, accompanied by Armed Forces Chief General Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar, as reported by Bernama.
Additionally, the waters off Muara Tebas are deep and wide enough to accommodate vessels measuring between 100 and 120 meters in length, covering most regional naval platforms, including multi-role frigates and support vessels.
The development of MAWILLA 4 is currently under a feasibility study conducted by the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), which owns the land designated for the facility. The study aims to determine the viability of the base and is expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year, pending federal approval.
“SEDC is conducting the study at present. The construction phase is expected to take about three years once we obtain clearance from the Ministry of Defence. We will need to align the project with the funding allocations under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), and it has been prioritized as one of the Malaysian Armed Forces’ key strategic infrastructure initiatives. Should early approval be granted, we are ready to begin construction even earlier,” Admiral Zulhelmy explained.
Although Muara Tebas is not directly on the South China Sea, its location — roughly 20 to 30 kilometers inland at the mouth of the Sarawak River — provides quick access to open waters and key maritime corridors, making it a strategic asset for Malaysia’s naval operations.
The decision to establish MAWILLA 4 in Muara Tebas marks a shift in Malaysia’s naval planning. Initially, Bintulu was considered the prime location for the base, given its proximity to the contested Luconia Shoals (Beting Patinggi Ali) within Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
A 200-acre naval installation was planned at Samalaju Industrial Park in Bintulu, aiming to enhance Malaysia’s ability to respond to maritime challenges in the northern sector of the South China Sea. However, following a comprehensive assessment considering maintenance costs, infrastructure readiness, and coordination with the Sarawak state government, the project was relocated to Muara Tebas.
“Initial discussions with the Sarawak state government have been positive. Both the federal military leadership and state authorities have agreed on Muara Tebas as the preferred location, given various logistical and economic factors. In Bintulu, maintenance costs would have been significantly higher. After evaluating cost, feasibility, and infrastructure potential, Muara Tebas emerged as the better choice,” said Armed Forces Chief Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar.
Once operational, MAWILLA 4 in Muara Tebas is expected to match the capabilities of Teluk Sepanggar Naval Base in Sabah, which currently houses Malaysia’s submarine command and its two Scorpène-class submarines, KD Tunku Abdul Rahman and KD Tun Razak.
Expanding submarine operations to Sarawak enhances Malaysia’s maritime domain awareness (MDA) and reduces deployment response times across the central and southern sectors of its EEZ. This move also strengthens Malaysia’s ability to counter foreign maritime militias and coastguards that frequently operate near the Luconia Shoals.
The South China Sea remains a region of strategic tension, with multiple claimants asserting their sovereignty over contested maritime features. China, in particular, has increasingly employed grey-zone tactics, including the deployment of coastguard and militia vessels, to assert its expansive claims. By enhancing its naval footprint through MAWILLA 4, Malaysia is sending a strong signal of deterrence and commitment to its maritime sovereignty.
The establishment of MAWILLA 4 in Muara Tebas could mark a new chapter in Malaysia’s naval strategy. The base is poised to become a crucial node in the country’s defense network, offering enhanced operational flexibility and rapid response capabilities in the eastern maritime frontier.
As Malaysia navigates the complex geopolitical landscape of the South China Sea, investments in strategic infrastructure like MAWILLA 4 underscore its commitment to safeguarding national security while maintaining regional stability. The coming months will be crucial as feasibility assessments conclude and decisions regarding funding and construction timelines take shape.
For now, what was once a quiet fishing village in Muara Tebas stands on the cusp of transformation into a pivotal maritime defense hub—a development with long-term implications for Malaysia’s naval strategy and regional security posture.
