GEORGE TOWN, October 10 – The recent arrival of two Chinese Navy ships at Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) in the Malacca Strait near Penang has sparked unease among locals and raised questions about national sovereignty. Social media reports, including from the Penang Port Commission’s Facebook page, indicated that representatives from the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) and Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) were present to greet the vessels, though no photographic evidence was provided, leading to online speculation.
Adding to the controversy, Penang State Legislative Assembly’s Facebook page reported that the Speaker of the Penang State Legislative Assembly, Dato’ Seri Law Choo Kiang, welcomed a visit from the 83rd PLA Navy Task Force, yet there was no clear involvement from Malaysia’s security personnel, including Armed Forces officers, TLDM, or PDRM. The situation has prompted concern among Penang residents, as well as a call from PAS Penang for immediate clarification from the Malaysian government and National Security Council regarding the presence of the Chinese naval ships and the broader implications for national sovereignty.
