Keeping a close watch: Saifuddin (in white shirt) visiting the construction site of the OPV 1 vessel in Port Klang. — Bernama
PORT KLANG: The first Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV 1) for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) must be completed this year, as stipulated in the original commitment, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said he and his deputy Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah would closely monitor the progress of the project to ensure the vessel is completed within the stipulated time.
“However, to be honest, I think they still need time after March (the date of OPV 1 is supposed to be completed), (but) not long; within this year it should be there.
“I have clearly expressed the government’s position that the handover date should not be changed or extended for a long period because we cannot compromise,” he told reporters after inspecting the construction of the OPV 1 vessel here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Previously, it was reported the government had provided a loan of RM152.6mil to ensure the MMEA’s OPV 1 project would be completed this year and that the project had now been taken over by the Finance Ministry.
Saifuddin said the additional funds would help complete the project within the stipulated time.
“All major components have been (installed), and an escort boat will arrive. Everything was stalled because of the payment.
“With the new injection of funds, I hope this will no longer be a problem,” he said.
The construction of the OPV 2 vessel is expected to be completed in October.
