(AFP) The navy needs to buy submarines to deter potential foreign intruders, Defence Minister Najib Razak said today.

He said the country must become a strong maritime nation able to protect its territorial integrity to avert any danger of attack.

"Even though the possibility of this occurring is quite slim, nevertheless the current unpredictable trend in international relations does not permit us to reject this possibility altogether," Bernama news agency quoted Najib as saying.

The navy announced last month it plans to buy up to four submarines, depending on cost, to guard sea trade routes and help maintain regional stability.

Offers

South Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering has offered to sell one second-hand sub and two new submarines.

Najib, speaking at a defence ministry function, declined comment on the offer until the government has made a decision.

Offers have also come in from German, French, Dutch and Russian companies.

The navy has no submarines at present.