LUMUT DECLARED NAVY TOWN

LUMUT (Malaysia), April 25 (Bernama) -- Lumut, a port town in Perak and home
to the largest Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), achieved a historic first by becoming
the first Navy town in the country and South-East Asia.

The declaration of Lumut, a former jetty for fishing activities, as a Navy
Town was officiated by the Ruler of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah.

Lumut will now be ranked among Navy towns like Karlkrona in Sweden,
Simon's Town (South Africa), Portsmouth (United Kingdom), Sydney (Australia),
Kiel (Germany), as well as Norfolk and New Port in the United States.

Ruler of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who is also
Captain-in-Chief of the RMN and the Regent of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah,
were among royalties who graced the joyous and colourful ceremony which was
attended by almost 3,000 RMN personnel and members of the public.

Earlier, RMN chief, Admiral Abdul Aziz Jaafar in his welcoming
speech expressed confidence that the recognition will put Lumut on the world map
like other Navy towns around the world.

"The declaration of Lumut as a Navy town is not only a ceremonial event ...
but based on the concept, it will be an advantage to not only Lumut, but also to
the northern state of Perak.

"The title will have a synergistic effect, as Lumut is already known as a
maritime and tourist destination," he said.

-- BERNAMA