PUTRAJAYA: Facing increasingly complex threats at sea, including smuggling and encroachment, the Home Ministry has sealed a US$83.75mil contract for the procurement of a second Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS).
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the acquisition of such strategic assets is part of the government’s priority to ensure the nation’s maritime security remains at the highest level.
“We are facing encroachment by foreign vessels and fishermen, which affects marine resources and poses a threat to national security and sovereignty.
“The procurement of assets such as the MPMS is crucial in strengthening the operational capabilities of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in safeguarding the country’s maritime sovereignty,” he said at a press conference after witnessing the contract signing ceremony here on Tuesday (April 21).
The contract was awarded to Desan Shipyard, based in Turkiye, with a 24-month implementation period from Feb 1 to Jan 31, 2028, and was signed by Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Awang Alik Jeman and Desan Shipyard representative Cenk İsmail Kaptanoglu.
He added that Malaysia’s waters, spanning about 590,000 sq km, require stronger patrol, surveillance and enforcement capabilities.
He said the rise in smuggling activities is also driven by price differences in subsidised goods such as diesel, as well as global uncertainties, including the conflict in a Middle East.
The vessel is capable of carrying out multiple roles, including patrol, monitoring, enforcement, prevention and search and rescue operations.
“It can also remain at sea for longer periods, and is equipped with a helicopter deck and a larger crew capacity compared to existing assets,” he said.
On the progress of the MPMS project, he said the ministry is optimistic that both vessels can be completed on schedule, citing the positive progress of the first ship, which is about 70% complete and ahead of schedule by around 21 days.
He said the 99m-long MPMS would be among the most advanced assets of the MMEA, with the capability to function as a “mothership”.
