Members of the crew are expected to take part in ceremonies to honour the deaths of 89 Russian sailors when the Russian cruiser Zhemchug was sunk by the German cruiser Emden in the Battle of Penang in October 1914, during the First World War.

Khaled said it is a common practice across the world for naval vessels to make temporary stops at various ports before continuing to other destinations.

An Italian navy vessel had also made a stop at Port Klang for four days from Oct 1, and a German navy vessel is scheduled to stop at Port Klang on Wednesday, he said.

“All these naval vessels have obtained permission to dock through diplomatic channels. In addition to handling logistical matters, the stops by foreign naval vessels also provide opportunities for defence-related diplomacy,” he said today.

Last week, a visit to Penang by two ships of China’s navy, along with students from the Naval University of China, caused controversy when there were complaints about the display of China’s flags when the students visited a school.