KOTA TINGGI: The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) is calling for a thorough investigation into the sinking of the Royal Malaysian Navy ship KD Pendekar, which sank two nautical miles southeast of Tanjung Penyusop yesterday.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said that although the ship had been in service since 1979, its 50-year-old age was not currently considered the main cause of the incident.

“Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact reasons for the sinking of the KD Pendekar. Initial indications suggest that the ship may have collided with an underwater object,” he said during a press conference today following a visit to the Kelulut Honey Project in Kampung Sedili Kecil.

Noting that a significant portion of the current fleet is over 40 years old, he said efforts are underway to modernize the Navy’s fleet.

“We are committed to completing the new ships under construction and acquiring more vessels. In line with these plans, the ministry is inspecting one-third of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) fleet – about 10 to 15 vessels – that are over 40 years old to ensure that they remain safe to operate,” he added.

Notable improvements include the construction of Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) and the acquisition of Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) from Turkey.

“The first LCS is scheduled to be operational by 2026, with subsequent LCS deliveries occurring every year. Delivery of three LMS ships is scheduled for October, November and December 2027,” Khaled said.

Yesterday, the New Straits Times reported that the KD Pendekar ran aground before sinking.

All 39 crew members were rescued unharmed; rescue operations are currently underway.