The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritime Malaysia) is set to boost its operational capabilities with the acquisition of 23 new boats for deployment in Sabah and Sarawak, while four medium-sized patrol vessels are currently in the procurement process.
Maritime Malaysia Director-General Maritime Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah said the agency is continuing to expand and modernise its assets to enhance maritime security and operational readiness.
He said the agency is also expected to receive its first Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS), which is currently being built in Türkiye, by the middle of next year.
According to Mohd Rosli, the MPMS is scheduled to be launched in October before undergoing sea and ship trials. The vessel’s crew will then travel to Türkiye in December to bring the ship back to Malaysia.
He said the ship is expected to arrive in Malaysia in February next year and will be one of the highlights of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA).
Mohd Rosli added that the contract for the second MPMS was signed on April 21, with construction expected to be completed within 24 months.
The agency is also set to receive four AgustaWestland AW189 helicopters in stages beginning this month to strengthen its search and rescue operations as well as maritime surveillance capabilities.
He said the first helicopter has already arrived in Malaysia and is scheduled to be officially launched by the Home Minister on Aug 13.
On manpower, Mohd Rosli said discussions with the Public Service Department (JPA) are ongoing regarding proposals to increase personnel to support the agency’s expanding fleet.
He explained that each large vessel requires about 75 personnel, while a mothership would require an even larger crew to operate effectively.
