Liaoning aircraft carrier unlikely to enter Malaysian waters, says RMN

An international media report and satellite pictures went viral showing the aircraft carrier, Liaoning, in Malaysian territorial waters. (Facebook pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) is confident that China’s aircraft carrier, Liaoning, will not use the strait between the Malawali Islands in the Philippines and the national waters on Sabah’s east coast because it is narrow and dicey.

RMN chief Mohd Reza Mohd Sany said, nevertheless, the RMN was always in a state of readiness towards encroachments in national territorial waters.

‘’But the sea is vast, so I have been in communication with ships out there, ordering them to be alert, focus and give their full attention.

“We will know if there is an intrusion but to date there is no report,’’ he told reporters after attending a RMN Aidilfitri open house here today.

Prior to this, an international media report and satellite pictures went viral showing the aircraft carrier in Malaysian territorial waters but this was refuted by RMN for lack of proof.

On Monday, RMN confirmed that it had not received any report on the presence of Liaoning in national territorial waters.

Following the report, the Eastern Armada admiral had been directed to give full attention to national territorial waters, especially when it involved foreign ships. - FMT