The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is set to receive a major boost in its operational capabilities with the allocation of RM350 million for the acquisition of a Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS), as confirmed by its Director-General, Maritime Rear Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah. The newly allocated budget is part of the 2025 fiscal plan aimed at enhancing maritime enforcement, ensuring the safety of Malaysia’s waters, and improving overall maritime governance.
In a statement released on Monday, Mohd Rosli highlighted the strategic importance of this new vessel and the MMEA’s commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s maritime security. “This vessel will be equipped with various mission-specific capabilities, enabling the MMEA to carry out maritime operations with greater efficiency,” he said.
The MPMS is expected to play a crucial role in Malaysia’s maritime law enforcement, surveillance, search and rescue (SAR) missions, and disaster response efforts. The vessel’s design and functionalities will allow it to adapt to different mission requirements in Malaysia’s vast and complex maritime landscape.
Malaysia, with over 4,600 kilometers of coastline and strategic access to important global shipping routes like the Strait of Malacca, faces several maritime challenges. These range from illegal fishing and human trafficking to piracy, smuggling, and potential incursions into its territorial waters. The MPMS will be a versatile asset in addressing these challenges, capable of supporting a wide array of operations.
- Search and Rescue (SAR) missions: Given the frequency of accidents and vessel emergencies in Malaysia’s busy shipping lanes, the MPMS will be instrumental in speeding up response times and increasing the efficiency of rescue operations.
- Maritime Law Enforcement: With more sophisticated systems onboard, the vessel will aid the MMEA in enforcing Malaysia’s maritime laws, preventing illegal activities, and safeguarding its territorial integrity.
- Environmental Protection: The MPMS will also contribute to Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal dumping and pollution in its waters. The vessel will help monitor and enforce environmental regulations, a crucial task as the country balances economic development with sustainability.
The MPMS’s advanced design will allow it to operate in various conditions, including high-sea states, which will help expand MMEA’s operational reach into more remote and difficult-to-access maritime zones.
In addition to the MPMS, the MMEA has been allocated RM160 million for the procurement of two New Generation Patrol Crafts (NGPC). These smaller vessels will be equipped with cutting-edge technology to enhance patrol and enforcement activities across Malaysia’s maritime areas, which span both the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca.
The NGPCs, with their speed and agility, are essential for responding to maritime threats that require rapid intervention. Each craft will be outfitted with:
- High-resolution radar systems capable of detecting vessels across vast distances, even in adverse weather conditions.
- Sophisticated communication tools that will ensure seamless coordination between MMEA patrols and command centers.
- Improved maneuverability and propulsion systems to allow swift responses in the event of illegal activities or emergencies in Malaysia’s territorial waters.
Rear Admiral Mohd Rosli emphasized the importance of these vessels in ensuring that the MMEA can maintain a constant presence in some of the region’s most contested and critical maritime zones. “These vessels are designed to significantly enhance our patrol and enforcement capabilities across wider and more challenging maritime areas,” he said.
Another major development for the MMEA is the RM150 million allocated under the Ship Life Extension Programme (SLEP). This program is aimed at maintaining and extending the operational lifespan of six existing vessels that are currently part of the MMEA’s fleet. With the second phase of the SLEP underway, these vessels will be refurbished and upgraded with newer technologies, helping to ensure that they remain effective for years to come.
The SLEP comes at a time when the MMEA is faced with aging vessels that still play crucial roles in the agency’s operations. Extending their operational life through maintenance and upgrades will allow the MMEA to continue using these assets while new vessels, such as the MPMS and NGPCs, are being built and commissioned.
“The Ship Life Extension Programme is a cost-effective strategy that enables us to continue utilizing our current assets while waiting for new acquisitions. These vessels, once maintained and upgraded, will be as efficient as newer ones,” said Mohd Rosli.
In a bid to strengthen maritime security through international cooperation, the Malaysian government has also allocated RM15 million for the refurbishment and maintenance of a United States Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC), which will soon be handed over to the MMEA. This move follows a transfer agreement between the United States and Malaysia to bolster Malaysia’s maritime enforcement capacity.
The USCGC Steadfast, a vessel measuring 64.16 meters in length and with a displacement of 1,100 tons, is expected to join the MMEA’s fleet in 2025. Built in 1968 and retired from U.S. Coast Guard service in February 2024, the vessel remains in good condition and is anticipated to play an essential role in patrolling strategic waters around Malaysia.
“The USCGC Steadfast is a significant addition to our fleet. With the RM15 million allocated for its maintenance, the vessel will be ready for operations next year. Its arrival will greatly improve our maritime surveillance capabilities, especially in protecting our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from illegal activities,” said Mohd Rosli.
The cutter, capable of reaching speeds of up to 18 knots and an operational range of 6,100 nautical miles, will complement the MMEA’s ongoing efforts to enhance maritime security in the region. It can accommodate 12 officers and 63 crew members, making it suitable for extended missions far from the shore.
The 2025 Budget clearly reflects the Malaysian government’s emphasis on maritime security, with a total of RM675 million allocated to the MMEA. This budget will cover the costs of maintaining existing vessels and acquiring new ones, ensuring the agency remains well-equipped to safeguard Malaysia’s maritime zones in an era of increasing regional tensions and challenges.
The allocation also demonstrates the government’s recognition of the MMEA’s critical role in protecting Malaysia’s maritime interests. From safeguarding natural resources, like oil and gas reserves, to ensuring the safety of one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, the MMEA is integral to national security.
By investing in state-of-the-art vessels like the MPMS and NGPCs, and extending the lifespan of existing assets through SLEP, Malaysia is ensuring that its maritime enforcement agency is ready to meet both current and future challenges. The new USCGC Steadfast will also strengthen cooperation between Malaysia and the U.S., underscoring the importance of international partnerships in addressing maritime security issues.
Malaysia’s maritime zones are vital not just to its economy but to the wider region. The South China Sea, in particular, has been a hotspot for geopolitical tensions, with multiple countries, including China, Vietnam, and the Philippines, making competing territorial claims. For Malaysia, safeguarding its EEZ and ensuring the security of its waters is paramount, particularly in areas where tensions could escalate.
In addition to external threats, the MMEA also deals with domestic maritime challenges such as illegal fishing, human trafficking, and drug smuggling. Illegal fishing, especially by foreign vessels, has become a pressing issue, resulting in significant economic losses and environmental damage. The acquisition of new vessels and the refurbishment of older ones will allow the MMEA to step up its enforcement efforts and better protect Malaysia’s natural resources.
