Malaysia eyes strengthened South China Sea defence with new naval base in Borneo

The base in Bintulu, Sarawak will be strategically located just 80 nautical miles (148km) from the South Luconia Shoals – known as Beting Patinggi Ali to Malaysia. This area is claimed by Beijing as its southernmost territory but lies within Malaysia’s 200 nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.

Malaysia’s maritime defence, however, is hampered by a fleet that is largely past its prime. Half of the country’s 49 ships are operating beyond their serviceable lifespan, an issue that has been compounded by delays in the deliveries of new vessels.

The new base at Bintulu would be important in boosting Malaysia’s naval capabilities, Thomas Daniel, a foreign policy and security specialist from the Institute Of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia research institute, told This Week in Asia.