KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — The Royal Malaysian Navy's KD Pendekar, which sank on August 25 due to a leak and flooding, was successfully refloated on Saturday evening at 4:38 PM.*

The Navy confirmed that the salvage operation faced challenges but was completed safely. The wreck site has been deemed secure, with no ammunition or explosives found, ensuring the safety of maritime users.

As KD Pendekar is over 45 years old, its future will be assessed as part of the Navy's 'Phasing In-Phasing Out' plan aligned with the 15to5 TLDM Transformation Plan. The ship is currently undergoing preliminary repairs, while investigations into the sinking continue.

The KD Pendekar sank after striking a submerged object in the South China Sea, near Tanjung Penyusop in Kota Tinggi, Johor. Tragically, a Navy diver died on August 28 during the recovery operation.