On 14th October 2024, four Russian naval ships—RFS Gromkiy (335), RFS Rezkiy (343), RFS Aldar Tsydenzhapov (339), and Pechenga—arrived at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Penang. Their arrival was welcomed by a delegation from the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) led by Captain Yusman Darmawan, Deputy Commander of the RMN’s 3rd Naval Region, along with representatives from the Russian Embassy in Malaysia.
Beyond resupplying and providing crew rest, the visit carries significant historical meaning, marking the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Penang. This commemoration honors the Russian sailors who lost their lives during the conflict. On 28th October 1914, during World War I, the German cruiser SMS Emden launched a surprise attack on the Russian warship Zhemchug anchored in Penang’s harbor. The attack killed 88 Russian sailors and injured 121 others. Malay fishermen bravely rescued over 100 surviving sailors, forming an enduring bond between the two nations.
Beyond resupplying and providing crew rest, the visit carries significant historical meaning, marking the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Penang. This commemoration honors the Russian sailors who lost their lives during the conflict.
On 28th October 1914, during World War I, the German cruiser SMS Emden launched a surprise attack on the Russian warship Zhemchug anchored in Penang’s harbor. The attack killed 88 Russian sailors and injured 121 others. Malay fishermen bravely rescued over 100 surviving sailors, forming an enduring bond between the two nations.
This annual memorial service honors the fallen sailors and reflects gratitude toward the local communities who provided aid. Several of these sailors are interred at the Western Road Cemetery in Penang, further embedding this tragic yet valorous chapter in the shared history between Malaysia and Russia.
PULAU PINANG, 14 Okt – Ketibaan kapal Tentera Laut Rusia iaitu RFS GROMKIY (335), RFS REZKIY (343), RFS ALDAR TSYDENZHAPOV (339) dan PECHENGA di Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Pulau Pinang telah disambut oleh delegasi TLDM yang diketuai Kepten Yusman bin Darmawan TLDM, Timbalan Panglima Markas Wilayah Laut 3 bersama delegasi Kedutaan Rusia di Malaysia, hari ini.
Lawatan operasi oleh Tentera Laut Rusia itu selain dari ulang bekal dan istirehat kru adalah bersempena dengan Memorial Ceremony of the 110th Anniversary of the Death of the Russian Sailor yang akan diadakan di dua lokasi sekitar Pulau Pinang.