OVERVIEW : 1990 - PENANG INTERNATIONAL ROYAL FLEET REVIEW

The 1990 International Royal Fleet Review (IRFR) was a historically significant event for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), hosted in Penang, Malaysia, from May 17 to 21, 1990.

It is one of the largest events ever organised by the Royal Malaysian Navy. 

Purpose: Fleet Reviews are a naval tradition often held for commemoration, celebration, and international cooperation. This event was intended to introduce and promote naval military traditions to the public and was a major highlight in the RMN's history.

Here is a consolidated summary of that landmark event:

1990 International Royal Fleet Review, Penang

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This event, hosted by the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) in Penang, Malaysia, was a massive display of international naval power and cooperation.

Feature	Details
Date	May 17 – 21, 1990 (The Review itself was on May 19th)
Location	Penang, Malaysia
Significance	One of the largest naval events ever hosted by the RMN. It aimed to promote naval traditions to the public and foster international goodwill.
Scale of Event	59 Warships and over 11,000 Naval Personnel from 21 countries participated.
Reviewing Officer	DYMM Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Azlan Shah (The King of Malaysia).
Review Vessel	The King conducted the Fleet Inspection from the RMN's Hydrographic Survey Vessel, KD Mutiara (the subject of your first image). The Inspection began after KD Lekir fired a 21-gun salute.

Key International Participants and Ships

The fleet review attracted ships from major navies across the globe, including:

● Malaysia (RMN):

1. KD Lekir - Fired 21-gun salute.
2. KD Mutiara (The Review Ship).
3. KD Todak and KD Pari (Patrol Boats).

● United States: USS Bunker Hill

● Soviet Union: BPK Admiral Tributs

● United Kingdom: HMS Cardiff

● New Zealand : HMNZA Waikato

● Australia : HMAS Canberra, HMAS Derwent & HMAS Westralia

● French : FNS Marne & FNS Commandant Ducuing

● Italy : Lebeccio

● India: INS Khukri & INS Ganga

● Singapore: RSS Victory .

● Indonesia: Kri Ahmad Yani & KRI Hasanudin

● Japan: JDS Haruyuki, JDS Katori & JDS Setoyuki

● Thailand : HTMS Khirirat

● Sri Lanka: SLNS Jayasagara

● Oman: SNY Nash Al Bahr

● Turkey : TCG Turgutreis

● Bangladesh” BNS Ali Haider & BNS Umar Farooq

● Brunei : KDB Waspada

Refer to my Blogspot: 1990 - Penang International Royal Fleet Review 

The Role of KD Lekir

KD Lekir (a Kasturi-class corvette) played a high-profile role. Historical accounts specifically mention that the inspection ceremony began after the KD Lekir fired a 21-gun salute to the King, officially commencing the International Royal Fleet Review.

KD Lekir arrives at Pearl Harbor for RIMPAC 2022

5/12/2025: 12.47 a.m