Notebook: History of Lumut Naval Base & Intake 139 (1980)

Here is a structured notebook based on the historical account of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN / Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia - TLDM) Lumut Base development and the experiences of Intake 139, as documented by Navy Veteran Hj. Zulheimy Ma'amor.

KD Pelandok received its first batch of recruits for basic training on 14 January 1980. 

Notebook: History of TLDM Lumut Base & Intake 139 (1980)

1. Executive Summary

• Source Document: Blog post by Navy Veteran Hj. Zulheimy Ma'amor (Served 1980–1996). 
• Reference: 1980 - TLDM Intake 139 & Pengkalan TLDM Lumut, Perak.
• Core Subject: The strategic relocation of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) base from Singapore to Perak, Malaysia, and the first batch of recruits trained at the new facility.
• Historical Significance: Marks the transition of Malaysia’s naval defense independence after separating from Singapore.

2. Timeline of Key Events

Date	Event Description
1965	Singapore leaves Malaysia, rendering the RMN Base location in Woodlands politically unideal.
1967	Commodore Datuk K. Thanabalisingam is appointed as the first Malaysian Chief of Navy.
1969	Commodore K.Thanabalisingam conceptualizes moving the RMN base to Malaysian soil.
May 1972	Lumut in Perak is selected as the most strategic location following a detailed survey.
5 January 1973	Construction of the Lumut Naval Base officially begins.
1977	The Royal Malaysian Navy planned to build a shipyard for ship maintenance. Two German Firms, Blohm & Voss and Thyssen AG were selected to build the shipyard. The shipyard is known as Boustead Naval Shipyard. In was rebranded as Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS) in 2024.
1 November 1979	TLDM officially relocates its operation from Woodlands, Singapore to Lumut, Perak.
14 January 1980	Intake 139/80 arrives at KD Pelandok, Lumut, becoming the first batch to undergo recruit training locally instead of in Sembawang in Singapore.
26 June 1980	Intake 139/80 completes their 6-months training with a Passing out Parade, the first to used the Parade of KD Pelandok.
6 February 1983	Construction of the Lumut Naval Base is fully completed.
9 September 1984	The Royal Malaysian Navy HQ in Woodlands, Singapore began relocating to Lumut Naval Base after 9 years of construction.

3. The Relocation and Strategic Selection of Lumut

Background & Conception

• The Dilemma: After Singapore exited Malaysia in 1965, the RMN base remained stationed at Woodlands, Singapore.
• The Visionary: In 1969, Commodore Datuk K. Thanabalisingam advocated for a sovereign naval base within Malaysian territory.

Evaluation & Selection Process

• The Naval Study Team: Formed by the Malaysian government to find a suitable location, led by:
• Commander V. Ramachandran (Head of Operations & Planning)
• Lt. Cdr. T.A. Scully (Engineering Officer)
• Firms Involved: The Malaysian government collaborated with German firms F.H. KOCKS KG (for site selection and planning) and Thyssen Rheinstahl Technik (for dockyard construction).
• Why Lumut Over Klang? While Port Klang was initially considered, a detailed geographical analysis ruled it out. Lumut was selected due to a spanning 1,800 acres of land that met crucial criteria:
• Geology: Stable and ideal terrain for heavy infrastructure.
• Defense: Strategically naturally protected.
• Sea Depth: Deep waters perfectly suited for naval vessel maneuvers.

4. Key Historical Figures

1. Commodore Datuk K. Thanabalisingam: The first Malaysian-born Chief of Navy (appointed 1967) who initiated the local base concept.
2. Komodor Mohamed Sidek Shabudin (Allahyarham): Former Project Chief for the TLDM Lumut Base and Commander of Naval Region 1 (Panglima Wilayah Laut 1). He passed away on April 28, 1979, before seeing the completion of the base. The base's Dewan M. Sidek Shabudin is named in his honor.
3. Captain P.K. Nettur: The RMN officer who took the salute during the historic passing out parade of Intake 139 on June 26, 1980.

5. Firsthand Account: The Raw Reality of Lumut in 1980

The author, Hj. Zulheimy Ma'amor, paints a vivid picture of the primitive state of Malaysia's largest naval base during its early operational phase in 1980:

"The TLDM Lumut Base back then was still just red earth and dust... not many roads were paved yet."

Training Conditions for Intake 139

• Among the Pioneers : When the recruits of intake 139/80 arrived in 14 January 1980, the massive 1,800-acre base was still actively under construction. Recruits trained amidst open dirt tracks and red clay. They successfully concluded their grueling basic training on June 26, 1980. bridgig the gap between the navy's old legacy in Singapore and its modern, self-reliant future as a major maritime protector in Southeast Asia. 
• The Parade Ground: The official parade square was incomplete when training started. Recruits spent months marching over dusty red soil; the parade ground was only finalized two months before their graduation.
• Seamanship Training: Practical sailing and maneuvering drills were heavily conducted around the waters of Pangkor Island to build sea proficiency.
• The Legacy: Intake 139 made history as the very first batch to officially inaugurate the new Lumut Parade Ground and graduate on Malaysian soil, witnessing the base evolve from a muddy construction site into a modern naval powerhouse.
  

The Legacy of Intake 139/80 holds a monumental place in the history of the Royal Malaysian Navy. 

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

3 June 2026: 3.23 a.m

THE SERVICE NOTEBOOK: KD MUTIARA (A 255) : PASSAGE TO INDIA & REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES

Here is a comprehensive notebook documenting the history, specifications, and the memorable 1985 deployment of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) vessel KD Mutiara, based on the service records and personal accounts of Navy Veteran Hj. Zulheimy Ma'amor.

THE SERVICE NOTEBOOK: KD MUTIARA (A 255)

1. Ship Overview & Specifications

KD Mutiara was a specialized hydrographic survey vessel built for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN / Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia) to operate efficiently in tropical environments.

• Name Origin: Named after an older, decommissioned vessel, preserving the legacy of the very first RMN ship to use the prefix "Kapal DiRaja" (KD) in 1961.
• Pennant Number: A 255.
• International Call Sign: 9MNG.
• Ship Builder: Hong Leong Lurssen Dockyard, Penang, Malaysia.
• Commissioning Date: December 18, 1977.
• Launching Ceremony: Officiated by the Raja Permaisuri Agong at the time, Tengku Zainab binti Tengku Seri Utama Raja Muhammad Petra, on November 13, 1976.
• Squadron: 36th Hydrographic Squadron, based at the RMN Naval Base in Lumut, Perak (alongside sister ship KD Perantau).

Technical Data

Feature	Specification
Length	71 meters
Width	13 meters
Capacity / Displacement	1,905 tonnes
Main Engines	2 × Deutz SBA 12M 528
Propulsion System	Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP)
Maximum Speed	16 knots (nautical miles per hour)
Power Generation	3 × Main Generators, 1 × Emergency Generator
Assigned Survey Craft	4 × Survey boats, 2 × Workboats

2. Primary Duties & Economic Impact

KD Mutiara was designed as a scientific and surveying asset rather than a frontline combatant. Its core responsibilities included:

• Conducting precise hydrographic surveys and offshore charting.
• Performing meteorological observations.
• Executing limited oceanographic research studies.

Economic Contribution: The data gathered by KD Mutiara was used to publish 50 crucial nautical charts. These charts ensured Safe Navigation through Malaysian waters, directly boosting the national economy by securing international maritime trade routes for imports and exports.

3. Mission Log: 1985 Passage to India & Maldives

• Date: October 1985
• Commanding Officer: Commander Husaini Bin Abdullah, RMN (N/400355)

The Journey Across the Indian Ocean

KD Mutiara, operating alongside KD Hang Tuah, embarked on a joint operational voyage across the Bay of Bengal into the Indian Ocean. The voyage was accompanied by a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF / TUDM) helicopter, which was used for aerial reconnaissance and photography.

Operational Conditions

The crew faced treacherous environmental conditions traversing the Bay of Bengal (the largest bay in the world) and the Indian Ocean:

• Rough Seas: Winds reached up to 40 knots (74 km/h) creating massive swells and 10-meter waves.
• Extreme Heat: The Indian Ocean is recorded as the warmest ocean in the world.
• Crew Endurance: The harsh, violent rolling of the ship caused severe seasickness across the crew ranks, serving as a true trial by fire for the sailors.

Destination 1: The Republic of Maldives

• Geographical Context: An archipelago of 26 natural atolls containing 1,192 small islands (only 200 of which were inhabited at the time) located southwest of Sri Lanka.
• Cultural Excursions: The crew visited the capital and observed historical landmarks, including the Al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al-Azam Mosque, which had recently opened in 1984 under President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. They learned of the nation’s history, dating back to 1153 when its last Buddhist King, King Dhovemi, converted to Islam.

Destination 2: Madras (Chennai), India

• Geographical Context: Located on the Coromandel Coast facing the Bay of Bengal, Madras was India’s 4th largest metropolitan city and the capital of Tamil Nadu.
• Cultural Excursions: * The crew visited a Tamil film studio and observed local pop culture.
• They passed by the residence of the highly popular former actor and then-sitting Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Dr. M.G. Ramachandran (M.G.R.).
• They traveled to the historic 7th-century port city of Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) in the Kancheepuram district, an ancient maritime hub under the Pallava Dynasty.

The residence of Dr. M.G. Ramachandran

MAHABALIPURAM, INDIA (1985)

4. Veteran Spotlight: Hj. Zulheimy Ma'amor

• Service Background: Served in the Royal Malaysian Navy for 16 years (1980–1996).
• Role on KD Mutiara: Served as a Radio Operator (RO) within the Communications Department.
• Communications Team Members (1985): RS Leong Kim Fatt, LTO Kamaruddin, RO Jamal, RO Yahya, RO Kamaruzzaman, RO Mazlan, RO Anuar, RO Khairuddin and others whom I had forgotten their names.
• Career Milestone: It was during this 9-month stint on KD Mutiara that he was promoted to the rank of Acting Leading Rate (Pemangku LK KMR).
• The Return Journey: While sailing home from India, the ship received a signal ordering his transfer to the Navy Department at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) in Kuala Lumpur, cutting his time on the ship to 9 months but cementing his place in its history.

5. Decommissioning & Legacy (2018)

After a legendary career spanning more than four decades, KD Mutiara was formally decommissioned on July 20, 2018.

• The Final Ceremony: Held at the RMN Naval Base Jetty in Lumut, presided over by the Chief of Navy, Admiral Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin. The ship’s very first Commanding Officer, Captain (Rtd) Goh Siew Chong, was in attendance as an honored guest.
• Lifetime Service Statistics:
• Total Distance Traveled: 220,000 kilometers (equivalent to circumnavigating the globe six times).
• Hydrographic Directives Executed: 146 successful operations.
• Total Area Surveyed: 68,598 square kilometers of Malaysian territorial waters mapped out.

"A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor." – A timeless navy proverb shared by the crew of KD Mutiara to define their resilience through the unforgiving waters of the Indian Ocean.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

3 June 2026: 3.49 a.m

FOTO KENANGAN: PAHANG > TEMERLOH & MENTAKAB

TEMERLOH, PAHANG

Temerloh merupakan daerah kedua terbesar di Pahang dan terletak secara strategik di titik tengah Semenanjung Malaysia. Daerah yang terkenal dengan jolokan "Bandar Ikan Patin" ini kaya dengan khazanah alam semula jadi, kebudayaan kampung yang memikat, serta menjadi syurga makanan bagi penggemar hidangan berasaskan tempoyak.

Daerah Temerloh diliputi dua kawasan persekutuan iaitu Temerloh dan Kuala Krau. Daerah ini juga diliputi lima kawasan negeri iaitu Jenderak, Kerdau, Mentakab, Lanchang dan Kuala Semantan.

Hentian Rehat Temerloh antara hentian lebuh raya yang paling popular dan ikonik di Lebuhraya Pantai Timur (LPT), kerana ianya merupakan satu-satunya R&R di Malaysia yang terkenal dengan jolokan "R&R Ikan Patin". 

R&R Temerloh terbahagi kepada 2 lokasi utama:

1. R&R Temerloh Arah Timur (Hala ke Kuantan & K.Terengganu)
2. R&R Temerloh Arah Barat (Hala ke Kuala Lumpur & Karak)

Ketika menghadiri Mesyuarat Penyelarasan Program di McDonald Temerloh

MENTAKAB, PAHANG

Mentakab ialah sebuah bandar dan mukim yang terletak di dalam Daerah Temerloh, Pahang, Malaysia. Bandar ini merupakan salah satu hab pengangkutan, ekonomi, dan kebudayaan yang penting di wilayah tengah Pahang kerana kedudukannya yang strategik. Terletak berhampiran Temerloh, Lanchang, Kampung Tualang, Kampung Gantok, Mengkarak dan Kerdau. 

2014: MENTAKAB MALL

"Minggu Jantung Mentakab 2014" yang berlansung di Mentakab Mall dari 7-9 September 2014. 

2016: TAMAN SAGA INDAH, MENTAKAB

Program Komuniti yang berlansung di Taman Saga Indah di Mentakab, Pahang pada 13 November 2016 anjuran Yayasan Jantung Malaysia dengan kerjasama Majlis Belia Daerah Temerloh. 

Rujuk: Zulheimy Maamor > 2016: Pahang - Gambang, Kuantan, Temerloh dan Mentakab. 

Kami menginap di EV World Hotel yang terletak di Jalan Orkid, Kampung Catin, Mentakab, Pahang. 

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

3 Jun 2026: 2.54 p.m

NOTE BOOK: THE 1990 PENANG INTERNATIONAL ROYAL FLEET REVIEW

Compiled by: Navy Veteran Hj. Zulheimy Ma'amor

Historical Date: 17–21 May 1990

Location: Penang, Malaysia

Reference:

1. ZulheimyMaamor > 1990 : PENANG INTERNATIONAL ROYAL FLEET REVIEW
2. ZulheimyMaamor > 1991 : NEW ZEALAND IRFR
3. ZulheimyMaamor > KD LEKIR : 7 AUGUST 1989 - 4 DECEMBER 1991

Event Overview & Background

• Event Name: Royal Malaysian Navy International Royal Fleet Review (RMN IRFR 1990). 
• Date: 17 - 21 May 1990. 
• Location: Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
• Origin of the Tradition: The Royal Fleet Review is a military tradition originating from the British heritage, dating back to June 1346 during the reign of King Edward III before sailing to war with France. Originally, it served to mobilize ships for war while showcasing the strength of the Armada.
• The 1990 Occasion: Organized as the International Fleet Review Parade (PDAA 1990), this event marked the 55th anniversary of the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) and coincided with Visit Malaysia Year 1990. It remains the largest event ever hosted by the RMN.
• Atmosphere: For 5 historic days, Penang was transformed into a bustling "Navy City," flooded with naval personnel from 21 nations sporting their unique and colorful dress uniforms.

KD LEKIR (F26)

Highlights & Key Operations

The Royal Review

• Reviewing Ship: KD Mutiara was designated as the official Review Ship, carrying His Royal Highness Yang Di Pertuan Agong Sultan Azlan Shah, Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, and other high-ranking dignitaries to inspect the armada.
• The Gun Salute: As the international naval fleet entered Penang Harbor, KD Lekir was given the distinct honor of returning a 21-gun salute fired from the Penang mainland by the Malaysian Army Artillery Regiment.

Participating Fleet Statistics

• Total Warships:  59 ships
• Participating Nations : 21 Countries

Nation	Ship Name / Pennang	Type / Class	Commanding Officer
RUSSIA	Admiral Tributs	Udaloy I -class Anti Submarine Destroyer	Vladimir Paviovich
U.S.A	USS Bunker Hill	Ticonderoga-class Guided Missile Cruiser	Capt. Thomas F.Marfiak
JAPAN	JDS Katori (3501) JDS Haruyuki (D128) JDS Setoyuki (D131)	Training Vessel Destroyer Destroyer	Capt. Teruhiro Shaihara Cdr. Kenji Yatsu Cdr. Satoru Inada
INDONESIA	KRI Ahmad Yani (351) Kri Hasanuddin (333)	Frigate Frigate
UNITED KINDGOM	HMS Cardiff (D108)	Destroyer	Capt. J.H. Morgan
AUSTRALIA	HMAS Westralia (O195) HMAS Derwent (DE 49) HMAS Canberra (FFG02)	Replenishment Oiler Destroyer Escort Frigate
NEW ZEALAND	HMNZS Waikato (F55)	Frigate	Cdr.David Ian Ledson
BANGLADESH	BNS Ali Haider (F17) BNS Umar Farooq (F16)	Both Frigate	Capt.Mohammed Nurul Islam Cdr. Khonder Moyeenuddin
THAILAND	HTMS KHIRIRAT	Anti Submarine Warfare Corvette	Cdr. Sommai Prakansamut
FRANCE	FNS CDT Duching (F785) FNS Marne (A630)	Frigate Tanker	Lt.Cdr. L’Henalf Cdr. Josselin
INDIA	INS Ganga (F22) INS Khukri (P49)	Frigate Missile Corvette	Capt.SPS Dalal Cdr. Sanjeev Bhasin
BRUNEI	KPD Waspada	Fast Attact Craft	Major Hj. Jamaludin bin Ghaffar
ITALY	Lebeccio (F572)	Frigate	Cdr. Guzzini Pasquale
SRI LANKA	SLNS Jayasagara	Offshore Patrol Vessel	Cdr. HS Rathna Keerthi
OMAN	SNV NashAl Bahr	Amphibious Warfare	Lt.Cdr. Issa bin Mohammed Al Raisi
TURKEY	TCG Turgutreis	Frigate	Capt. Devrim Corbacioglu.
SINGAPORE	RSS Victory (88)	Corvette

Cultural & City Festivities

• Freedom of Entry Parade: A massive parade involving 3,000 crew members and officers marching through the streets of George Town, Penang.
• Musical Military Bands: Public performances featuring international naval bands from the USA, USSR, UK, Japan, India, Somalia, Bangladesh, Thailand, Oman, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
• Public Entertainment: Military bands from nations including the USA, Somalia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Russia, Japan, India, Oman, and Britain performed popular tunes for the massive crowds.
• Local Festivities: Stage shows, cultural dances, chingay demonstrations, silat, regatta ceremonies, dragon boat races, and trishaw races filled the city.
• Water Sports: Regatta ceremonies and Dragon Boat racing.

Personal Reflections (Veteran Account)

• Author: Hj. Zulheimy Ma'amor, an RMN veteran who served for 16 years with the Royal Malaysian Navy (1980–1996). 
• Memories: He counts IRFR 1990 as one of the sweetest milestones of his naval career. Serving on KD Lekir (1989 - 1991) allowed him to witness this historic home event, which he followed a year later by participating in the New Zealand International Royal Fleet Review in Auckland (1991).
• Historical Gap Note: The author expressed disappointment that detailed official records or media archives of this massive event are heavily missing from modern websites, including the RMN's official portal—leaving personal logs and rare archive footage (such as Japanese TV broadcasts on YouTube) as vital historical preservation pieces.

C&P

3/6/2026: 2.10 a.m