LONDON: Malaysia's first submarine KD Tunku Abdul Rahman left the French naval base in Toulon on its historic maiden voyage to Malaysia yesterday.

The 35-member pioneer crew - headed by Commander Zulhelmy Ithnain - were waved off by Malaysian Ambassador to France Datuk S. Thanarajasingam at 11am local time (5 p.m. Singapore time).

Others present were Defence Attache Captain Khairuddin Mohd Ariff, officials from the Malaysian submarine project team and a group of senior French navy officials led by Admiral Yann Tainguy.

Thanarajasingam said he felt a tremendous sense of achievement and pride to see the submarine sailing home after the simple yet symbolic ceremony.

The French admiral, he added, was also highly impressed with the Malaysian submariners who had done well during their training and practical programmes.

"And he's prepared to welcome them as members of the French submarine fleet," said Thanarajasingam.

The submarine will stop for transit at major ports such as Jeddah, Djibouti and Cochin on its way home. It is also expected to stop at Lumut and Port Klang for a few days before reaching the Sepanggar naval base in Sabah by early September.

The submarine project started when Malaysia signed a deal to purchase two Scorpenes in 2002.

The second submarine KD Tun Abdul Razak is expected to sail back by the end of this year.

The Star/Asia News Network