KUALA LUMPUR - The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) will be reviewing its standard operating procedure (SOP) on the seaworthiness and assignment of old ships.
Chief of Navy Admiral Tan Sri Mohd Reza Mohd Sany in a statement today said this following the sinking of the 35-year-old HTMS Sukhothai of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) on Sunday.
He said a review of the procedure was required to avoid a similar fate befalling the vessels of RMN.
"Considering 58 per cent of RMN ships are even older than HTMS Sukhothai, let us pray our ships would not face such incidents.
"Without drastic actions taken by the government in addressing the defence budget issue, the matter of obsolete assets would continue to hamper RMN in the long run,” according to the statement.
Meanwhile, RMN conveyed its condolences to all RTN personnel over HTMS Sukhothai and hoped the remaining crew members would be found safe.
HTMS Sukhothai which was carrying 105 sailors, developed engine failure and sank about 20 nautical miles from Prachuap Khiri Khan Province at about 11.30 pm (local time) on Sunday. - BERNAMA