RMN, MISC JOINT OPS IMPRESSES FOREIGN COUNTRIES

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- Japan, South Korea and Germany have
expressed their interest to find out more about the strategic cooperation
between the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and shipping company, MISC Berhad (MISC),
in providing security to vessels plying the trade route in Gulf of Aden, off the
coast of Somalia.

RMN Chief Admiral Abdul Aziz Jaafar said the joint operation between
RMN and MISC involved the use of an auxiliary ship, Bunga Mas 5.

"The three countries are impressed with Malaysia's capability in
handling
and operating the auxiliary ship through a joint operation, a strategy which has
become an example for the world maritime community," he told reporters after the
pinning of ranks for 10 MISC personnel who have been accredited as RMN's reserve
volunteers (PSSTLDM) here Thursday.

They will be attached to the Bunga Mas 5 beginning January next year.

In a related development, Abdul Aziz said the RMN intended to increase
membership of the PSSTLDM to 5,000 people from 3,000 currently.

--BERNAMA