THE navy has sent a vessel to take part in a non-military training known as Asean Solidarity Exercise in Batam, Indonesia, until September 25.

The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) said the exercise aimed to enhance efforts in humanitarian aid, disaster relief, civil-military cooperation, search and rescue operations, and maritime security.

KD Terengganu has been stationed in Batam for the eight-day exercise, which takes place in the Natuna Sea and Sabang Mawang, Riau, said MAF in a Facebook post.

Host Indonesia deployed two naval vessels — KRI Radjiman Wedyodiningrat-992 and KRI Jhon Lie-358.

Singapore’s RSS Vigour and Brunei’s KDB Darul Ehsan were also involved.

Other Asean countries including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, were taking part as observers.

MAF chief Mohammad Ab Rahman attended the opening ceremony, officiated by Indonesian National Armed Forces commander Yudo Margono in Batam yesterday.

Mohammad voiced hope the exercise would help maintain unity among Asean countries and preserve their centrality in the region.

Yudo, who proposed the exercise during the Asean Chiefs of Defence Forces Meeting in Bali on June 7, said: “This activity will strengthen and enhance our capabilities in maintaining peace, prosperity, and security in the region.” – Bernama, September 20, 2023.