KUCHING – The Governor of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi, welcomed a courtesy visit from senior naval and industry leaders at the official residence in Petra Jaya this morning.
The delegation was led by Vice Admiral Dato’ Baharudin bin Wan Md Nor, Commander of the Western Fleet of the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM), accompanied by his wife, Datin Shafiqah binti Ismail.
Joining them were Mr Azhar bin Jumaat, Chief Executive Officer of Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS) Sdn. Bhd., together with his wife Mrs Noor Afzan binti Md. Noordin, as well as company officials Mr Mohd Nazir Md. Ali and Mrs Suhana Albakri binti Abu Bakar.
Also, present were First Admiral Ir. Ts. Franklin Jeyasekhar Joseph, Director General of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme, and Commander Ts Mohamad Idrus bin Mat Zain from the TLDM Ceremonial Secretariat.
The visit carried a significant agenda: the formal presentation of an invitation for the Governor and Toh Puan to attend the Naming and Launching Ceremony of Littoral Combat Ship 3 (LCS 3) at Lumut Naval Shipyard in Perak.
The ceremony is scheduled for 9 February 2026, where Toh Puan has been selected as the “Lady Sponsor” of the vessel, a maritime tradition symbolising blessings and prayers for the ship’s safety and the well-being of its crew.
During the meeting, Vice Admiral Baharudin and Mr Azhar briefed the Governor and Toh Puan on the progress of LCS 3’s construction, outlining the current stage of development and future milestones.
The Littoral Combat Ship project is part of Malaysia’s broader naval modernisation efforts, aimed at strengthening maritime defence capabilities and supporting the local defence industry.
The Governor emphasised the importance of safeguarding Sarawak’s waters, particularly in Bintulu and Miri, given their strategic role in national defence and economic activity.
He noted that maritime security remains a priority for Sarawak, aligning with Malaysia’s wider defence objectives.
The forthcoming participation of Toh Puan in the ship’s naming ceremony is seen as a strong endorsement of Sarawak’s support for national maritime sovereignty.
It also reflects the state’s recognition of the defence industry’s contribution to regional stability and economic development.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Governor and Toh Puan expressed their gratitude to the Royal Malaysian Navy and Lumut Naval Shipyard for the honour of the invitation.
The Governor also conveyed his prayers for the smooth organisation of the ceremony, underscoring the importance of unity and collaboration in advancing Malaysia’s maritime strength.
