KUALA LUMPUR – The recent docking of two United States Navy vessels in Penang was a routine logistical stop that had received formal approval from the Malaysian government, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said.
In a statement, he confirmed that USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) and USS Tulsa (LCS 16) were at the North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT) from March 14 to 16.
“The stopover allowed the vessels to carry out replenishment, maintenance and provide rest for crew members before continuing their voyage,” he said.
“Port of call visits by foreign naval vessels at Malaysian ports are not new and have long been part of established international defence relations. Malaysia has clear procedures in place, where every docking request must go through official channels and is subject to approval by the Malaysian government,” Khaled added.
He said these visits contribute to confidence-building measures while safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Such practice aligns with the Defence White Paper and is intended to promote regional stability and global peace,” he noted.
Malaysia welcomed a total of 75 port calls by foreign naval vessels from 14 countries in 2025, including Australia, China, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, Indonesia, Singapore, and the United States. – March 18, 2026