Muara Tebas: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) base to be built in Muara Tebas as the Region 4 Naval Headquarters (Mawilla 4) will serve as a strategic transit point for submarines, said Navy Chief Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain. He highlighted the site’s favorable maritime conditions, including naturally deep waters reaching 14 meters, making it a suitable and strategic location for submarine operations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Admiral Zulhelmy stated that while the site is ideal for a submarine transit point, its use as a forward operating base for submarines is a possibility. The Navy Chief also mentioned that they would assess the suitability of Mawilla 4 for berthing and resupply operations for surface vessels. The location’s depth and size could accommodate ships measuring between 100 and 120 meters in length.

The base was initially planned for construction in Samalaju, Bintulu, but was relocated to Muara Tebas due to several factors. Commenting on the feasibility study for the base, Admiral Zulhelmy said it is being conducted by the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), which owns the project site, and is expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year. He emphasized the importance of aligning the project with the 13th Malaysia Plan budget, as it is a priority for the Malaysian Armed Forces. If early approval is granted by the Ministry of Defence, construction could start sooner.

The Navy Chief also assured that the construction of Mawilla 4 would not require relocating residents from Kampung Goeblit or the surrounding areas. Instead, the project is expected to bring economic benefits to the local community. Among those present during the announcement were Chief of Defence Force Gen Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar and SEDC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Hussain.