Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS) is united by a shared purpose and mission to serve, protect, and advance Malaysia’s maritime defence capabilities. We learn about the company’s deep-rooted commitment to national security with CEO, Ir. Azhar Jumaat.
VANGUARD OF MALAYSIAN MARITIME DEFENCE
Based in Lumut, a coastal town in the state of Perak on the west coast of the Malay Peninsula, LUNAS has established itself as a leader in the shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) industry.
With a current workforce of over 1,000 skilled employees and more than four decades of SBSR expertise, LUNAS is Malaysia’s largest naval shipyard and recognised as a national asset in the industry.
Over the course of its 40-year history, the company has stood side by side with its primary client, the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), through evolving challenges.
“What sets LUNAS apart is our deep-rooted commitment to national security. We don’t just deliver vessels – we deliver confidence to the RMN and assurance to the people of Malaysia,” affirms Ir. Azhar Jumaat, CEO.
“Our long-standing partnership with the RMN, role as a custodian of sovereign defence capabilities, and investment in local talent are what truly differentiate us.”
By ensuring the RMN has capable and reliable assets, LUNAS contributes to Malaysia’s maritime sovereignty, which plays a constructive role in a security context for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
LCS PROGRAMME
The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme, in which LUNAS is building a class of five stealth frigates for the RMN, is laying the groundwork for Malaysia’s maritime future.
This complex and strategic defence project positions the country to emerge as a regional maritime hub, one where its engineers, shipbuilders, and innovators stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world.
Today, LUNAS is seeing the programme achieve concrete progress, with LCS 1 MAHARAJA LELA in the setting-to-work phase and on track for physical handover by the end of 2026.
LCS 2 RAJA MUDA NALA was launched in early July 2025, whilst the naming and launching of LCS 3 and 4 are expected to take place next year.
“These milestones are more than symbolic – they demonstrate that the programme is moving forwards in tandem with LUNAS’s corporate governance reforms,” acclaims Ir. Azhar.
It has been a challenging journey, but with the reforms LUNAS has put in place, governance and transparency are now the company’s highest priorities.
“Lessons from the past have shaped stronger oversight, tighter financial discipline, and corporate governance practices that ensure accountability at every stage,” he asserts.
Despite the challenges, the LCS programme has been a catalyst for industrial growth, technology transfer, and talent development within the country.
Indeed, it’s more than just a defence contract – it’s a long-term investment in Malaysia’s economic and security ecosystem and ‘rakyat’ (citizens).
“For the RMN, it represents a generational leap in capability. Equally, for Malaysia, it represents jobs for our people, opportunities for local small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the strengthening of an ecosystem that supports national resilience,” Ir. Azhar elaborates.
This is fully aligned with the Malaysian government’s agenda, ensuring strategic projects deliver tangible value for the rakyat, not just the armed forces.
Alongside the LCS shipbuilding programme, LUNAS’s ship repair services are equally critical as they ensure the RMN and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency maintain their operational readiness every single day.
“These projects are special because they embody both our technical expertise and duty to the nation,” he prides.
“For us, it starts with the ‘amanah’ (trust). That sense of responsibility drives us to deliver excellence in every project.”
“What sets LUNAS apart is our deep-rooted commitment to national security. We don’t just deliver vessels – we deliver confidence to the RMN and assurance to the people of Malaysia”
Ir. Azhar Jumaat, CEO, Lumut Naval Shipyard
CLASSROOM, BATTLEFIELD, AND HOME
Ir. Azhar was entrusted to lead the LCS programme after retiring from the RMN, where he proudly served from 1990 until 2016.
“For 26 years, the sea was my classroom, battlefield, and home. I retired as a captain, but truthfully, the navy never leaves your heart,” he fondly reflects.
“It was there I learned that a ship is not just steel, but a lifeline, carrying the hopes of people and guarding the sovereignty of our nation.”
That experience gave him a rare perspective, blending operational knowledge with the challenges of shipbuilding.
“It provided me a front-row seat in shipbuilding at the highest level, combining technical expertise with leadership, and deepened my respect for the SBSR industry as more than just an economic driver, but as a pillar of national resilience,” Ir. Azhar informs us.
When he was later given the ‘amanah’ to become CEO of LUNAS in 2022, Ir. Azhar saw it not as a career move but as a continuation of service to the nation.
“I carry the values of trust, care for people, and respect for the mission. This is about protecting our waters, developing our people, and leaving behind a sustainable legacy for future generations.”
“For 26 years, the sea was my classroom, battlefield, and home. I retired as a captain, but truthfully, the navy never leaves your heart”
Ir. Azhar Jumaat, CEO, Lumut Naval Shipyard
CATALYST FOR NATION-BUILDING
In Malaysia, under the MADANI framework launched in July 2023 by Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, LUNAS is recognised as a catalyst for nation-building.
MADANI is based on six fundamental pillars, namely sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust, and compassion.
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Beyond defence, LUNAS contributes to nation-building by developing local talent, uplifting SMEs in its supply chain, and nurturing industrial capabilities that strengthen Malaysia’s economy.
This is in line with the MADANI values of sustainability, prosperity, and respect, ensuring the benefits of LUNAS’ work extend beyond shipyards.
“When our shipyard thrives, it creates a domino effect, uplifting the surrounding community, empowering local SMEs, and strengthening the wider economy.
“That is what excites me most – being part of an industry that uplifts our people, empowers our SMEs, and strengthens our nation’s self-reliance,” outlines Ir. Azhar.
“We see every project as more than just delivering a ship. It’s about creating opportunities for Malaysians, generating jobs, developing skilled engineers, and providing steady work for local SMEs who form the backbone of our supply chain.”
The supply chain is an essential part of the company’s success as it collaborates with a wide range of both local and international partners and places strong emphasis on transparency, integrity, and mutual growth – which have contributed to an increase in trust.
“By strengthening our relationships with local suppliers and SMEs, we are creating a sustainable ecosystem that supports the entire SBSR industry in Malaysia,” Ir. Azhar enlightens.
TRANSFORMING BLUEPRINTS INTO VESSELS
The SBSR industry is at a very exciting crossroads, with digitalisation, automation, and green shipbuilding transforming the way vessels are designed and maintained.
LUNAS embraces innovation across all departments, and its digitalisation journey in shipbuilding is making way for sustainable solutions that meet global standards.
“We are adopting digitalisation in shipbuilding technologies and building partnerships with global players to accelerate knowledge transfer,” Ir. Azhar tells us.
“Most importantly, it’s the human element – our people’s dedication – that transforms blueprints into vessels.”
Many staff members have dedicated decades of their lives to LUNAS, carrying with them skills that form the backbone of its shipbuilding legacy.
“We take talent retention seriously, because our future depends on it. That is why we have restructured our salary scale, introduced better benefits, and created clearer promotion pathways to ensure our people see their role not just as a job, but as a long-term career path with LUNAS,” he sets out.
This reflects the MADANI principle of prosperity, where growth is shared fairly amongst those who contribute.
Beyond career growth, LUNAS also believes in nurturing ‘keharmonian’ (harmony) in the workplace.
“Our Eid and iftar gatherings and bowling tournaments bring people together as one entity and strengthen bonds across departments,” highlights Ir. Azhar.
“We emphasise recognition to create an environment where every employee feels valued, connected, and proud to contribute to a bigger national agenda. This is how we live the MADANI spirit through our people,” he concludes.
LUNAS wants to be a platform for nurturing the next generation of Malaysian engineers and technicians.
In doing so, the company aligns itself with the MADANI vision of a sustainable, prosperous, and resilient nation.
LUMUT NAVAL SHIPYARD PARTNER
