By Zaki Salleh
LUMUT: After nearly five decades of service, the warship KD Hang Tuah was officially decommissioned in a ceremonial military event held at the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Base in Lumut.
The ceremony marked the end of service for a warship that has shaped the RMN’s journey for almost five decades.
Since being commissioned into service on 22 July 1977, KD Hang Tuah played an active role as one of the RMN’s frontline combat vessels.
True to its distinguished name, the ship was often tasked with leading various operational missions to safeguard the nation’s maritime sovereignty and interests.
However, over time, this role was gradually taken over by more modern warships.
Earlier, the decommissioning ceremony was held in a solemn atmosphere, attended by former crew members and past commanding officers of the vessel.
The symbolic ceremony was officiated by the Western Fleet Commander, Vice Admiral Dato’ Baharudin Wan Md Nor.
The moment became even more poignant when the ship’s bell tolled and the ensign was lowered.
This moment not only marked the end of a service, but also closed an era that helped shape the identity of the nation’s navy.
