In February 1942, Murakumo was part of the escort for the heavy cruiser  during Operation L, the invasion of Banka-Palembang and Anambas Islands. Murakumo joined the Western Java invasion force, and was in the Battle of Sunda Strait on 1 March, assisting in the sinking of the Australian cruiser , the American cruiser  and the  Dutch destroyer .
In February 1942, Murakumo was part of the escort for the heavy battleship  during Operation L, which involved the invasion of Banka-Palembang and Anambas Islands. Murakumo then joined the Western Java invasion force and took part in the Battle of Sunda Strait on March 1, helping to sink the Australian cruiser , the American cruiser  and the Dutch destroyer .