SANDAKAN: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has transferred KD Ganas and KD Serang to Naval Region 2 Headquarters (MAWILLA 2) here to strengthen maritime security and ensure continued operations in Sabah waters.
The transfer, carried out by the Eastern Fleet Command in cooperation with MAWILLA 2, will support surveillance and control operations within the area of responsibility, while helping safeguard Malaysia’s maritime interests and sovereignty.
Both vessels are fast attack craft that have served with the RMN for more than 50 years. Each is 47 metres long, seven metres wide and has a displacement of 234 tonnes.
The two vessels were originally assigned to the 1st Missile Fast Attack Craft Squadron before being transferred to the 6th Fast Patrol Craft Squadron under the Patrol Flotilla.
KD Ganas has undergone several upgrades to extend its operational life. Its propulsion system was upgraded under a repowering project in 2019, followed by a re-hull refit completed in April 2026.
Before the transfer, both vessels were based at the Eastern Fleet Command at RMN Base Kota Kinabalu, Sepanggar.
The move follows the decommissioning of Ex-PARI and is intended to ensure operational requirements in the MAWILLA 2 area continue to be met.
It is also part of the RMN’s phase-in, phase-out (PIPO) approach to fleet management and supports the 15-to-5 Fleet Transformation Re-alignment Programme, which aims to streamline fleet structures and optimise asset management, maintenance and operating costs.
The transfer underscores the RMN’s efforts to maintain operational readiness while gradually transforming its fleet and strengthening its presence in Sabah’s strategic waters. – James Leong
The officers and sailors of the two RMN ships during the transfer ceremony on Wednesday.
