MMEA to get ex-US Coast Guard cutter next year


Lizan

KUANTAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is set to receive the former United States Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Steadfast once its preparation in Baltimore, in the US, is completed and the vessel is transported back to Malaysia in the first quarter of 2025.

MMEA acting director-general Vice-Admiral Datuk Saiful Lizan Ibrahim said the cutter will be a key asset in enhancing the security of Malaysia's Maritime Zone, particularly in the South China Sea.

"This addition will greatly expand and enhance our operational capabilities,” he told a press conference following the completion of Maritime Class II Seaman Training Series 17/2023, involving 75 trainees at the Sultan Ahmad Shah Maritime Academy (AMSAS) here Saturday (Aug 3).

Elaborating, Saiful Lizan said the endurance cutter measures 64.16m in length, 10m in width and weighs 1,100 tonnes. It can accommodate up to 12 officers and 63 other ranks, with a top speed of up to 18 knots.

He also expressed gratitude to the Home Ministry for finalising the agreement between the Malaysian and the United States governments through the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for the vessel transfer.

Meanwhile, Saiful Lizan said the tender process for MMEA’s new flagship vessel, with a procurement budget of RM330mil, is expected to be finalised by the end of this year.

He added that the specifications for the ship are anticipated to be completed by the end of this month, and the project is expected to commence in the first quarter of next year with the appointed company.

To position AMSAS as an international centre of excellence, he noted that repair and maintenance work on the facility began last year with a total allocation of RM1.3mil.

In addition, RM11mil has been allocated to AMSAS under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12) for upgrading the outdoor shooting range, with completion expected by 2026. - Bernama

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Pahang , MMEA , United States , Coast Guard , Cutter , AMSAS , Vessel

   

Next In Nation

Plantation workers' acquittal for human trafficking short-lived as prosecution appeals under Sosma
Twenty-eight cases of bullying at public universities reported since 2010
High demand for skilled workers in rail industry with 25,000 jobs available, says Zahid
Reclaimed land for Silicon Island's Mutiara Line LRT depot to be handed over by year-end
The Palau are not illegal immigrants, says Kitingan
Pahang palace not issuing statement on purported 'royal addendum' for Najib's house arrest
Apex court postpones citizenship appeal hearing to Jan 27
Malaysia emerges as preferred hub for medical device manufacturers, says Dr Dzul
Full criteria for RON 95 subsidy to be announced Q1 2025
Third suspect detained in Sarawak bribery case

Others Also Read