PUBLISHED ONOctober 30, 2026 1:00 PMUPDATEDOctober 30, 2026 1:05 PMBYSean LerSeparated by just two land border crossings and the Strait of Johor, neighbours Singapore and Malaysia have a long history of cooperation, including in maritime security.
The two countries' navies on Friday (Oct 30) completed a five-day bilateral maritime exercise, codenamed Malapura, that was held in Singapore.
The exercise dates back to 1984 and is part of regular interactions between the two navies.
Singapore's Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said in a news release on Friday evening that this year's exercise comprised a series of shore-based events, people-to-people interactions, professional exchanges, warfare planning, and sports activities.
It involved crew from the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) littoral mission vessel (LMV) Sovereignty and Formidable-class frigate Formidable, and a delegation of about 30 Royal Malaysia Navy (RMN) sailors from two frigates and its western fleet headquarters.
RSN fleet commander Colonel (COL) Bertram Ang highlighted the importance of the exercise in deepening the professionalism and friendship between both navies.
"At a professional level, the chance to train together, by planning and executing various serials and warfare tactics, strengthens our ability to work together."
COL Ang also stated that interoperability between the two navies remains "especially important" for maintaining maritime security in their region.
RMN western fleet's Captain Khairuddin bin Mohamad Paudzi also pointed to the two navies' shared interests in maritime security, safe sea lines of communication and regional stability, saying these underscore the strategic importance of maintaining a strong and constructive naval relationship.
Singapore's and Malaysia's navies, along with other regional partners, have ongoing patrols in the Malacca Strait to strengthen maritime security along the vital sea line of communication.
Last year, the two navies also signed an arrangement for mutual submarine rescue support and cooperation.
"Together, these activities continue to deepen practical cooperation as well as strengthen professional and people-to-people ties between both navies," MINDEF said.
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