24 APRIL 2009

Lumut, a small town 84 km south from the city of Ipoh in the State of Perak has a population of 31,880. The small town is also the gateway to Pangkor Island.

How Lumut Got Its Name

In the early days, the beach at the small Lumut town was said to be richly covered with green moss (called lumut in the Malay language). Hence, the name Lumut.

Today, this laid back town not only acts as a jumping–off point to the lovely Pangkor island, but also complements the other nearby towns, such as Sitiawan (12kms), Batu Gajah, Pasir Salak and Gopeng which are all steeped in history.

A visit to the Tourist Information Centre which is located across the road from the new ferry terminal (next to the Pangkor Laut office) is a must for all foreign visitors. Here, you can update yourself on where to go and what to do in Lumut.

Lumut as a Naval Base Town

Owing to its ideal geographical location along the Straits of Dindings and being sheltered from the open sea, this small fisher-town by the Dinding river mouth has long been acquainted as the home to the Royal Malaysian Navy. Incidentally, it is the largest naval base in Malaysia.

As a matter of fact, Lumut’s transformation from a sleepy hollow to a vibrant town started from the time when the largest Malaysian Naval Base was built almost three decades ago. Since then, both the town and the naval base complemented tremendously towards each other’s growth. Maritime related activities as well as small and medium scale businesses that mushroomed over the years have also transformed Lumut into a fast growing and dynamic town.

For that matter, the declaration of Lumut as Naval, Tourism and Maritime Town on the 24th of April 2009 in conjunction with the Silver Jubilee of His Royal Highness Sultan Azlan Shah’s 25 years on the Perak State’s throne will be a big step forward in recognizing the contribution of Lumut towards the vast expansion of maritime activities in this part of the world in line with Malaysia’s status as a Maritime Nation.

To add splendor and grandeur to the event, the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Diamond Jubilee (27April) will also be officially celebrated. Among those expected to attend this historic event is His Royal Highness Sultan of Selangor who is also the Captain-in-Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy.

The Celebration

The declaration of Lumut as Naval, Tourism and Maritime Town is one of the highlights of the Diamond Jubilee celebration apart from many other activities laid out throughout the year.

This spectacular showcase by the Royal Malaysian Navy on the 23rd and 24th of April is something not to be missed. It will comprise maritime exhibitions, demonstrations, silent drills, parade and children’s activities which are just a few of the many activities and attractions laid out by the organizers and is a must-do outing for the entire family.

The actual declaration planned on the 24th of April will showcase activities packaged with naval traditions. Lumut town will definitely be the centre of attraction during this period. Visitors to Lumut can expect lots of fun, excitement and wonderful moments. So, don’t miss the opportunity to get involved in this historic event. Come and visit Lumut.

For more information please refer to:-
Lieutenant Commander Noorlida Bte Rahman
RMN (Public Relations Officer Fleet Headquarters)
Tel: 05-681 8503 (Office) or 012-500 6376 (HP)