Royal Ship Hang Tuah Memorial Museum Set to Become New Tourism Landmark in Lumut

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 2026 – The Royal Ship Hang Tuah Memorial Museum is expected to become one of Perak’s newest tourism attractions when it opens to the public next year, strengthening Lumut’s position as one of Malaysia’s leading maritime destinations.

The project will involve the transformation of the former KD Hang Tuah, which was officially handed over by the Royal Malaysian Navy to the Perak state government on July 27, 2026. Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the vessel would be preserved as an important part of Malaysia’s maritime heritage.

According to Saarani, the museum will integrate historical conservation, education, tourism and community development. The initiative is intended to ensure that the ship’s long service history and contribution to national maritime security remain known and appreciated by future generations.

The project will be implemented through a public-private partnership. Perbadanan Menteri Besar, also known as MB Inc., has been tasked with working alongside Aero Art Sdn. Bhd. to coordinate and supervise its development.

The first phase of the project has been allocated RM30 million. The funding will cover renovation and museum-curation work, including preparation of the site at Marina Wing in Lumut.

Beyond preserving the former naval vessel, the development will include a public park with free access, a commercial zone for local entrepreneurs, family and community activity spaces, as well as facilities for exhibitions, programmes and conferences.

The museum is also expected to revitalise the Marina Wing and Esplanade areas by attracting more visitors, supporting local businesses and creating employment opportunities for nearby communities.

Saarani said the initiative aligned with the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan, which emphasises development capable of stimulating local economies, expanding income opportunities and delivering direct benefits to residents.

The state government expects the military-tourism concept to diversify Perak’s existing maritime attractions. It will also serve as a tribute to Royal Malaysian Navy personnel for their service and sacrifices in protecting the country’s territorial waters and sovereignty.

The development comes as Perak continues to strengthen its tourism sector. The state welcomed approximately 23.6 million domestic visitors last year, highlighting the potential for new attractions capable of encouraging longer stays and greater visitor spending.

The Royal Ship Hang Tuah Memorial Museum is expected to draw families, students, history enthusiasts and visitors interested in naval technology and Malaysia’s defence heritage.

Its location in Lumut is particularly significant because the coastal town has long been associated with the Royal Malaysian Navy and the country’s maritime defence activities.

The ship itself carries an extensive international history. It was originally constructed in Scotland as the Black Star for Ghana before later serving with Britain’s Royal Navy under the name HMS Mermaid.

The vessel was commissioned into the Royal Malaysian Navy as KD Hang Tuah on July 22, 1977. Named after the legendary Malay admiral, it served for nearly five decades and became one of the country’s most recognisable naval assets.

The former frontline frigate measures 103.5 metres in length and 12.02 metres in width. It has a displacement of approximately 2,300 tonnes and was capable of reaching a maximum speed of 24 knots.

Through the museum, visitors are expected to gain insight into the ship’s operational history, the daily lives of naval personnel and the broader development of Malaysia’s maritime defence capabilities.

The attraction could also support educational programmes involving schools, universities and maritime institutions, allowing visitors to learn about naval history through a preserved physical vessel rather than conventional displays alone.

Local entrepreneurs are also expected to benefit from the commercial spaces planned around the museum. Opportunities could include food and beverage businesses, souvenir sales, tour services and community-led tourism activities.

By combining a historic warship with public facilities and economic spaces, the development aims to function as more than a conventional museum. It is intended to become an integrated heritage and tourism destination for Lumut and the wider Manjung district.

The Perak government believes the project will strengthen Lumut’s identity as a major national maritime city while connecting Malaysia’s naval heritage with the future growth of its tourism sector.