KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia continues to strengthen its national maritime security with the acquisition of a Turkish-made multi-purpose mission ship (MPMS) valued at US$68.8mil (RM304.29mil) for the use of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA)
In a statement, MMEA said the letter of acceptance for the ship’s acquisition was signed by Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman on behalf of Malaysia, and Desan Shipyard chairman Cenk Ismail Kaptanoglu representing Turkiye, at Desan Shipyard in Turkiye on Friday (March 22).
MMEA director-general Maritime Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah, who was also at the signing ceremony, said the ship is equipped with advanced technology and modern operating systems, which will enhance the effectiveness of the country's maritime control.
“This 99-metre-long vessel can operate continuously for 30 days and is capable of carrying 70 crew members and 30 passengers.
“It is also equipped with four fast interceptor boats (FIC), two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), a helicopter landing deck, medical facilities, and a detention centre,” he said in the same statement.
Desan Shipyard, the company responsible for building the vessel, was established in 1970 and is one of Turkiye’s renowned shipyard solution providers.
The company is involved in shipbuilding, shipyard development and maintenance, vessel repair, and other maritime-related activities.
MMEA stated that the signing ceremony is part of a series of official document exchanges witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the latter’s official visit to Malaysia on Feb 11.
Meanwhile, Awang Alik, in the same statement, said the acquisition of this ship is a strategic move to strengthen the country’s maritime security and reflects the close relationship between Malaysia and Turkiye in the defence and shipbuilding industries.
“This MPMS ship will become an important asset in enhancing the capabilities of Malaysian maritime enforcement.
“This cooperation demonstrates the commitment of both countries in addressing increasingly complex maritime security threats, including foreign vessel incursions and transnational criminal activities,” he said. – Bernama
