Don’t fret as this is part of a joint exercise being carried out by the United States army and federal police commandos.

The Royal Malaysian Police’s “Very Abled Troopers” (VAT69) special operations force paramilitary unit and US military forces have been training in Penang waters since Feb 26.

They were recently spotted conducting drills with a US Army Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter at the North Channel, visible by those driving past on the Penang Bridge.

The commandos are being trained by the US to face potential threats from the sea, preparing them for warfare, Penang police chief Chuah Ghee Lye said.

He said the 21-day course involves 45 VAT69 commandos and 12 US army men.

The training is called “Balance Mint 17-2453” and will end on March 18.

The US army and the Malaysian military have conducted many joint exercises before as, historically, Malaysia is seen as an ally to the U.S.

Through the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (Carat), the Malaysian naval forces have trained with US and the armed forces of nine partner nations.

The 22nd Carat exercise was held in the waters near Sandakan in June last year.