17 September 2012 | last updated at 01:34AM
Dr M: We can build warships
KUALA LANGAT: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has expressed his confidence that local shipbuilders are capable of building large vessels, including warships.
He said they should be given the opportunity to prove their worth, such as was the case of NGV Tech, which had built over 140 ships of various sizes.
"I am confident NGV Tech is capable of building large vessels and warships as it is a sophisticated company entrusted with building two Royal Malaysian Navy training ships through a joint venture with a South Korean company," he said after attending a Hari Raya open house hosted by NGV Tech here yesterday.
Accompanied by NGV Tech executive chairman Datuk Zulkifli Shariff and Chief of Navy Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar, Dr Mahathir witnessed the construction of the two training ships, worth RM148 million each, at a shipyard owned by NGV Tech in Kampung Sijangkang.
NGV Tech expects both ships to be completed by the middle of next year.
Bernama
