Photo-Bernama
KUALA TERENGGANU: An oceanography expert from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) said the recent discovery of a torpedo-shaped metallic object on Seberang Takir Beach, Kuala Nerus has raised "a little concern", regarding the possibility of the projectile and its function.
UMT pro vice-chancellor (strategy, performance and corporate) Prof Ts. Dr Mohd Fadzil Mohd Akhir said torpedo-shaped marine research devices exist and are used for oceanographic research, known as Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV).
AUVs are also known as Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) or Undersea Drones and the tools are believed to have dual uses, namely for marine research and military purpose.
"AUV is a technology that was developed since the mid-2000 and is now widely used and has become a trend for easier data collection.
"In the past, we had to get on a boat and go down to the sea to collect data, but now with AUVs we can control them remotely like drones.
"There is only one big thing that is a concern in the world of oceanographic science, which is the use of this tool to penetrate the waters of other countries.
"Because most of the devices found before came from various countries," he said when contacted by Bernama on Tuesday (March 25).
Mohd Fadzil also confirmed that the torpedo-esque metallic object found by the public at Seberang Takir Beach, Kuala Nerus did not belong to UMT.
Last Sunday (March 23), Kuala Terengganu police chief ACP Azli Mohd Noor said a member of the public called in at 7.30 am to tip them off about the discovery of a 2.7 metre-long missile object.
From an inspection by the bomb disposal unit at the location, he said the 70kg torpedo object with lots of wiring was not a bomb as suspected and tests cleared the object of any dangerous radioactive material.
"On the contrary, it is a marine research device estimated to be worth RM1 million," he said, adding that police are tracking down the owner of the object which was swept in by waves of the Northeast Monsoon (MTL).
Mohd Fadzil said whether the equipment was deliberately brought in to collect data or washed in by waves is also difficult to ascertain, but with the abundance of similar finds in several neighbouring countries, it gives a signal that there is a well-founded concern.
On Dec 30 last year (2024), a fisherman in the waters of San Pascual, Masbate in the Philippines found a similar object believed to belong to a country, yellow in colour, about two metres long with the markings 'HY-119' and 'HY-L0119' on its body.
The object found by the Filipino fisherman was believed to be a (Chinese) ocean glider UUV (uncrewed underwater vehicle) belonging to a foreign country which was handed over to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Navy for action.
"Based on open source research on the internet... HY-119 refers to a Chinese underwater navigation and communication system," said Bicol regional police director Brigadier General Andre Dizon to local Philippine media.
"This (two-metre) object is equipped with an antenna and lens that functions for visual capture. Based on the information, it is likely used for monitoring and reconnaissance," he said.
In addition to the Philippines, several AUV discoveries were also recorded in Indonesia, namely in January, March and December 2020 and January 2021, which were reported to resemble the design of the 'Sea Wing' model used for seabed mapping and bore faded Chinese writing.
Local media in Indonesia and the Philippines reported concerns about the potential use of the AUV for military purposes, including seabed mapping and data collection for military intelligence gathering.
Seabed mapping is said to be carried out by the military using AUVs, among other things to identify routes that can be passed by submarines.
"Attention is needed, especially if the device (AUV) comes from certain countries. This is what we have found, what we have not seen, there may be many more that are hovering and that is (out of our) control," said Mohd Fadzil regarding the AUVs, also called Ocean Gliders. - Bernama
