KUALA LUMPUR: The government's announcement of RM1.8bil for three new ships for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Budget 2025 comes at a critical time, given the agency's current asset constraints in safeguarding national waters.
MMEA director-general, Rear Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah, welcomed the announcement, saying that it reflects the government's serious commitment to national security.
He acknowledged Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail’s strong justification of MMEA's urgent need for more assets, particularly to protect the South China Sea.
"The addition of these assets is timely, as MMEA is currently facing limitations in its capacity to secure Malaysia's Maritime Zone, especially along the country's maritime borders,” he said in a statement on Friday (Oct 18).
Mohd Rosli added that the move would strengthen public confidence in the government’s commitment to national safety and well-being, aligning with Malaysia Madani's core values in driving positive change.
He also expressed gratitude to the government for this timely allocation.
Earlier Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling Budget 2025 in Parliament, announced the acquisition of a Multi-Purpose Mission Ship, two New Generation Patrol Vessels, and the upgrade of six vessels under Phase 2 of the Ship Life Extension Programme. - Bernama
