Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) has assured that it will not compromise on safety, operational, or technical specifications in the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project prior to its handover to the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN). Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari emphasized the ministry's firm stance on maintaining operational requirements and personnel safety, despite facing challenges from previous delays and a revised delivery schedule.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Adly addressed perceptions of stagnation over the past three years, stating that construction, port testing, and preparations for sea trials have been conducted in alignment with the ship project's recovery plan. As of December 25, 2025, the overall progress of the LCS project has reached 75%, compared to 81.57% under the original schedule. Despite the discrepancy between actual progress and the original timeline, recovery efforts are ongoing in phased, focused stages to ensure the ship meets the set standards.
Adly outlined that the first ship (LCS 1) is slated for sea trials in April 2026, with its delivery adjusted from December 2025 to December 2026, and LCS 2 is expected to be delivered in August 2027. He addressed allegations of interference, affirming there has been no manipulation in the project's implementation or reporting.
The project's implementation considers recommendations from the previous Public Accounts Committee (PAC), with a special monitoring committee established in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance to ensure proper management of technical and financial aspects. Adly also highlighted that despite allegations and investigations into the LCS project, including those by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the ministry has consistently provided full cooperation.
Adly concluded that the government procurement process adheres to principles of transparency, integrity, accountability, and value for money, with checks and balances in place, including technical committee assessments and Procurement Board approval within the prescribed limits.