Compiled by: Navy Veteran Hj. Zulheimy Ma'amor
Historical Date: 17–21 May 1990
Location: Penang, Malaysia
From 17 to 21 May 1990, KD LEKIR was involved in the **RMN INTERNATIONAL ROYAL FLEET REVIEW (RMN IRFR)** held in Penang Island. This was the largest event ever organized by the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM), and it was held in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 1990.
The Royal Fleet Review is a British heritage tradition that began in June 1346 during the reign of King Edward III before sailing to war with France. The ceremony was originally intended to mobilize ships for war while showcasing the strength of their Armada. Malaysia organized its own International Royal Fleet Review Parade (PDAA 1990) in 1990 in Penang. The event was held to mark the 55th anniversary of the Royal Malaysian Navy and the Visit Malaysia Year 1990 celebration.
A total of 59 warships from 21 countries joined the RMN IRFR in Penang, including the USA, Russia, Britain, New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, and several other countries that I can no longer fully recall.
The climax of the event was the Fleet Inspection by His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong. As the naval ships from various countries sailed into Penang Port, KD LEKIR was given the honor to return the 21-gun "GUN SALUTE" fired from the Penang mainland, which was handled by the Malaysian Army Artillery Regiment.
KD MUTIARA was assigned as the review ship carrying His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Azlan Shah, accompanied by Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and other dignitaries.
For 5 historic days, Penang Island was transformed as if it were a navy town. The city was filled with naval personnel from 21 countries in their own unique and beautiful national uniforms. Various events were held in Penang, such as stage shows, cultural performances, chingay and silat demonstrations, regatta ceremonies, and dragon boat and trishaw races. Military band performances from seven countries, such as the United States, Somalia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Russia, Japan, India, Oman, and Britain, played popular songs to entertain the visitors.
Another equally interesting ceremony was the "Freedom of Entry" ceremony for the RMN and the participating naval ships with a parade around the city of Penang.
At that time, Penang Island looked as if it was being attacked by naval armadas from various countries... it reminded me of the Hollywood movie "The Longest Day"... which showed hundreds or even thousands of naval ships anchored along the coastline... that was the atmosphere in Penang at that time.
It is quite disappointing; after searching thoroughly on websites, I could not find any further details regarding the RMN IRFR even on the TLDM's own website.... Why is there no coverage at all of such a historic and largest event on the website? What I found was a news broadcast from Japanese TV on YouTube.
Reference:
- ZulheimyMaamor > 1991 : NEW ZEALAND IRFR
- ZulheimyMaamor > KD LEKIR : 7 AUGUST 1989 - 4 DECEMBER 1991
KD LEKIR (F26)
Participating Fleet Statistics
- Total Warships: 59 ships
- Participating Nations: 21 Countries
USS Bunker Hill (CG-52), a legendary Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, launched in 1985. The first U.S. warship to feature the Mark 4 Vertical Launching System (VLS), a massive technological upgrade that allowed it to fire the Tomahawk cruise missile.
** Latest Update (2026): The ship was officially decommissioned on September 22, 2023, in San Diego.
JDS Katori (TC-3501) - a training vessel of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). Commissioned in September 1969 to train newly commissioned JMSDF officers on global oceanic voyages.
*** Latest update (2026) : the vessel was decommissioned on March 20, 1998.
JDS Haruyuki (DD-128) - highly capable Hatsuyuki-class destroyer. The first generation was designed to handle anti-submarine, anti-air, and anti-ship combat.
***Latest update (2026): the vessel was decommissioned on March 13, 2014.
JDS Setoyuki (DD-131)—Hatsuyuki-class destroyer, a multi-purpose destroyer capable of handling anti-submarine, anti-ship, and anti-air operations.
*** Latest update (2026) : Decommissioned on December 24, 2021.
KRI Ahmad Yani (351) : general purpose frigate of TNI-AL. Originally built in the Netherlands, she was purchased by Indonesia in 1986. The ship features an OTO Melara 76 mm main gun, Simbad launchers for Mistral surface-to-air missiles and anti-ship missile capablities.
HTMS Khirirat (PF-432): a Tapi-class anti-submarine corvette. Built in the U.S. in 1972 and was commissioned into active Thailand service in August 1974.
BNS Ali Haider (F17): a Leopard-class Type 41 anti-aircraft frigate, originally built in the U.K. for Royal Navy frigate HMS Jaguar (F37). Laid down in 1953 and commissioned in 1959 and being sold to Bangladesh in 1978.
*** Latest update: Decommissioned on January 22, 2014.
BNS Umar Farooq (F16): a Salisbury-class Type 61 aircraft direction frigate. Originally built in the U.K. for British RN HMS Salisbury (F32) in 1957, it was transferred to Bangladesh in December 1976.
*** Latest update (2026): Decommissioned on 30 December 2015.
FNS Commandant Ducuing (F795): a D'Estienne d'Orves-class aviso designated as a light frigate or corvette. Named after the heroic World War II officer Gabriel Auguste Ferdinand Ducuing, the vessel entered service in 1983.
*** Latest update (2026): Decommissioned on 14 May 2024.
FNS Marne (A630): a Durance-class command and replenishment tanker. Launched in 1985, the last of five highly capable fleet tankers built by France.
** Latest update in 2026: Decommissioned in 2023 .
HMAS Westralia (O195) : a modified Leaf-class replenishment oiler. Originally built in 1976 for the British Royal Fleet Auxiliary, the ship saw active service during the 1982 Falkland War.
It officially served the RAN from 1989 to 2006. She participated in Operation Damask II during the 1991 Gulf War.
Decommissioned in 2006 and sold for scrapping in 2010.
HMNZS Waikato (F55) : a Batch 2 Leander-class frigate. Built by Harland & Wolf in Belfast, commissioned in September 1966 and decommissioned in July 1998.
Participated in the 1982 Falkland War with her sister ship HMNZS Canterbury.
HMS Cardiff (D108): a Batch 1 Type 42 guided-missile destroyer. Built by Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering, launched in 1974 and commissioned in 1979. She was decommissioned in July 2005. Involved in the Falkland War in 1982 and the Gulf War in May 1990 before participating in Penang IRFR.
INS Ganga (F22): a Godavari-class guided-missile frigate. Built in Mumbai, she was commissioned on December 30, 1985, and served a long, prestigious career before being decommissioned on March 22, 2018.
INS Khukri (P49): a Corvette-sized guided missile. She was commissioned on August 23, 1989, and decommissioned after 32 years of active service on December 23, 2021.
KPD Waspada (P02): Fast Attack Craft (Missile), commissioned in 1978, she was decommissioned in April 2011 and was donated to the Indonesian Navy and renamed KRI Salawaku (642).
ITS Libeccio (F 572): anti-submarine warfare Maestrale-class frigate. Built by Fincantieri at the Riva Trigoso shipyards, she was launched in September 1981, commissioned into active service on February 5, 1983, and officially decommissioned in 2024.
SLNS Jayasagara (P 601), an offshore patrol vessel built in Sri Lanka's Colombo Dockyard, was commissioned into active service on December 9, 1983. After nearly four decades of service, she was decomissioned on May 18, 2022.
SNV Nash Al Bahr (L2): a logistic and landing ship, built by Brooke Marine in the U.K., she featured a large stern ramp and helicopter flight deck, capable of transporting troops, heavy vehicles and military supplies to support amphibious operations across Oman's strategic coastline.
TCG Turgutreis (F-241) : a Yuvuz-class guided-missile frigate built in Germany by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft in Kiel, she was launched in 1987, commissioned on August 30, 1988, and served for 36 years before being officially decommissioned on July 6, 2024.
FREEDOM OF ENTRY
Among the most interesting events was the Freedom of Entry ceremony, where crew members from the participating countries joined a parade around Penang city. A total of 3,000 crew members and officers participated in this parade.
In conjunction with this RMN International Royal Fleet Review, Penang City was declared as a Navy City.
The Royal Fleet Review Parade will remain a sweet memory for those involved in the largest parade ever held by the TLDM. I was fortunate that while serving with KD Lekir at that time, I had the opportunity to participate in 2 International Fleet Reviews, namely the TLDM International Fleet Review Parade in Penang (1990) and the New Zealand Navy International Fleet Review in Auckland, New Zealand, the following year in 1991.
That was the sweetest memory while serving with KD Lekir...
- 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.
References:
- Zulheimy Maamor: 1990 - Penang International Royal Fleet Review
- KD Lekir: New Zealand IRFR 1991.
- Memory Notebook: The 1991 RMN Deployment (KD Lekir & KD Mahawangsa).
Hj Zulheimy Maamor
3/6/2026: 2.10 a.m
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