The Marine Police Force (PPM) is set to receive two new motherships worth RM100 million by the middle of next year as part of efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s maritime security capabilities.
Department of Internal Security and Public Order director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hasan Basri said the two vessels, known as Police Transport Vessels (PTVs), would allow the force to operate across wider maritime areas.
One vessel will be deployed in Sabah while the other will be stationed in Peninsular Malaysia.
“The assets will be operated under a mothership concept and will also serve as logistics and fuel supply vessels for smaller and more flexible patrol assets,” he said.
Mohd Yusri said the PPM would also receive five Fast Patrol Craft under a RM100 million project, with the vessels expected to play a key role in combating cross-border smuggling activities.
He said the force had also proposed the development of a Forward Operation Base at Kapitangan, Pulau Banggi, Sabah as part of its long-term strategic plans.
The proposal followed a previous visit to the island by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, together with the Inspector-General of Police and Chief of Defence Forces.
Mohd Yusri said Pulau Banggi had significant strategic potential as one of the country’s entry points through Sabah.
He said strengthening security on the island could involve the deployment of General Operations Force (PGA) personnel and a Forward Operation Base involving the Marine Police, PGA and Air Operations Force, as well as the establishment of a police station.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating the 79th anniversary celebration of the Marine Police Force.
Mohd Yusri added that the PPM currently has 22 projects under the 11th to 13th Malaysia Plans, with a combined value of RM1.064 billion.
For its future strategic development, the force has proposed another 19 projects worth RM2.28 billion, including the construction of several new PPM operational headquarters.
