Singapore, Malaysia navies complete bilateral maritime exercise Malapura

Separated by just two land border crossings and the Strait of Johor, neighbours Singapore and Malaysia have a long history of cooperation, including in maritime security.

The two countries' navies on Friday (Oct 30) completed a five-day bilateral maritime exercise, codenamed Malapura, that was held in Singapore.

The exercise dates back to 1984 and is part of regular interactions between the two navies.

Singapore's Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said in a news release on Friday evening that this year's exercise comprised a series of shore-based events, people-to-people interactions, professional exchanges, warfare planning, and sports activities.

It involved crew from the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) littoral mission vessel (LMV) Sovereignty and Formidable-class frigate Formidable, and a delegation of about 30 Royal Malaysia Navy (RMN) sailors from two frigates and its western fleet headquarters.

RSN fleet commander Colonel (COL) Bertram Ang highlighted the importance of the exercise in deepening the professionalism and friendship between both navies.

"At a professional level, the chance to train together, by planning and executing various serials and warfare tactics, strengthens our ability to work together."

COL Ang also stated that interoperability between the two navies remains "especially important" for maintaining maritime security in their region.

RMN western fleet's Captain Khairuddin bin Mohamad Paudzi also pointed to the two navies' shared interests in maritime security, safe sea lines of communication and regional stability, saying these underscore the strategic importance of maintaining a strong and constructive naval relationship.

Singapore's and Malaysia's navies, along with other regional partners, have ongoing patrols in the Malacca Strait to strengthen maritime security along the vital sea line of communication.

Last year, the two navies also signed an arrangement for mutual submarine rescue support and cooperation.

"Together, these activities continue to deepen practical cooperation as well as strengthen professional and people-to-people ties between both navies," MINDEF said.

新加坡和马来西亚这两个邻国仅隔着两个陆地边界口岸和柔佛海峡，两国有着悠久的合作历史，包括在海上安全领域。

两国海军于周五（10 月 30 日）在新加坡结束了为期五天的双边海上联合演习，演习代号为“马拉普拉”。

该演习始于 1984 年，是两国海军定期互动的一部分。

新加坡国防部（MINDEF）周五晚间发布新闻稿称，今年的演习包括一系列岸上活动、人员交流、专业交流、作战计划和体育活动。

参与此次行动的有新加坡共和国海军（RSN）近海任务舰（LMV）“主权”号和“可畏”级护卫舰“可畏”号的船员，以及来自两艘护卫舰和西部舰队总部的约 30 名马来西亚皇家海军（RMN）水兵代表团。

新加坡海军舰队司令伯特伦·昂上校强调了此次演习对于加深两国海军的专业精神和友谊的重要性。

“从专业层面来说，通过计划和执行各种系列演练和作战战术，共同训练的机会增强了我们的合作能力。”

Ang上校还表示，两国海军之间的互操作性对于维护该地区的海上安全仍然“尤为重要”。

马来西亚皇家海军西部舰队上校凯鲁丁·本·穆罕默德·保齐也指出，两国海军在海上安全、海上交通线安全和地区稳定方面拥有共同利益，并表示这些都凸显了保持强大和建设性海军关系的战略重要性。

新加坡和马来西亚海军以及其他地区伙伴正在马六甲海峡进行持续巡逻，以加强这条重要海上交通线的海上安全。

去年，两国海军还签署了关于相互进行潜艇救援支援与合作的协议。

“这些活动将进一步深化两国海军之间的务实合作，并加强两国海军之间的专业联系和人文交流，”国防部表示。