Malaysia’s first-ever submarine has reportedly developed problems which make not suitable for diving. This development was reported by Defense Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to the media yesterday.

According to reports, the European-made Scorpene submarine which was delivered last September had defects that need to be rectified before it can proceed with operations.

The country bought two submarines at the tune of 3.4 billion ringgit. The first submarine, named after the country’s first prime minister, is considered an important acquisition despite objections from opposition parties.

Zahid said that the parts that were said to have defects are still under warranty. This means that the contractor and supplier can repair them without incurring additional expenses for the government.

Navy chief official Abdul Aziz Jaafar said that the problem was first identified at the submarine’s cooling system last December. This escalated with more problems seen last month.