Navy Reconnaissance Ship Escorts Nautical Aliya to Yangon

On Board The Nautical Aliya in Myanmar Waters, 11 Jumadil Awwal 1438/08 February 2017 (MINA) – A Malaysian food flotilla to Myanmar in aid of the Rohingya community is looking forward to a smooth passage to Yangon.

The ‘Nautical Aliya’ vessel that is leading the ‘Food Flotilla for Myanmar’ is now being escorted to its destination by a Myanmar Navy reconnaissance ship.

The Myanmar vessel approached Nautical Aliya at about noon Tuesday (Malaysian time) and verified its identity after establishing contact.

The head of the humanitarian mission, Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim, was quoted by Bernama as saying that Malaysian Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein had informed him that the Myanmar vessel would accompany the Nautical Aliya to ensure its safety.

“On behalf of the Malaysian government, I express gratitude to the Myanmar government for its concern for our safety.

To dock at St Martin’s Island, Kutubdia or Chittagong.

Bangladesh has identified three other ports instead of Teknaf for a Malaysian food flotilla in aid of the Rohingya community that will also stop over in Myanmar.

The head of the ‘Food Flotilla for Myanmar’ mission, Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim, said the ‘Nautical Aliya’ leading the flotilla would have to dock at St Martin’s Island, Kutubdia or Chittagong.

Teknaf had been ruled out because of the safety factor and the large size of the ship, he said to reporters. (T/RS05/RS01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)