KUALA LUMPUR: More than a billion ringgit has been spent on assets and technology to strengthen the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister said such investments are vital to address growing maritime security challenges.
“Among the key acquisitions are two motherships currently under construction in Turkiye, each costing about RM400mil, as well as four AW189 helicopters valued at approximately RM700mil.
“In addition, a new radar system worth about RM88mil will be installed in northern Sabah to strengthen surveillance along the east coast, while several fast boats are also being procured.
“These investments have already reached billions of ringgit, but they are necessary to ensure our national security framework remains strong and responsive,” he told reporters after attending the Jelajah Wira Madani programme in Kuantan, Pahang, yesterday.
Saifuddin Nasution added that the two motherships – the first of their kind for MMEA – are expected to be completed early next year, marking a significant milestone in the agency’s development.
He said the government has significantly increased investment in maritime assets over the past two to three years to increase MMEA’s readiness.
“The investments reflect our commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime sovereignty amid increasingly complex global threats.
“The MMEA plays a critical role in securing Malaysian waters, particularly along strategic routes such as the Strait of Malacca, which remains a hotspot for cross-border crimes, including drug trafficking, arms smuggling and human trafficking.
“Criminal activities are becoming more sophisticated and enforcement responsibilities are correspondingly more demanding,” he said.
Saifuddin Nasution highlighted three major global maritime challenges: transnational crime, geopolitical tensions, and non-traditional threats such as illegal fishing and marine pollution.
He said situations in the South China Sea continue to require careful diplomatic management, while enforcement responsibilities remain firmly under MMEA’s purview.
“The agency has also benefited from international cooperation, including the acquisition of KM Bendahara, a cutter vessel received from the United States last year, which enhances patrol capacity in key waters, including the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca,” he added.
On regional security, Saifuddin Nasution reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to maintaining neutrality and stability under the Asean centrality principle.
He stressed that Malaysia would not allow any external power to impose unilateral decisions over its waters, particularly in the strategically vital Strait of Malacca, which carries the bulk of global trade flows.
“Maintaining the security of the Strait of Malacca is our responsibility, not just for Malaysia, but for the global community,” he said.
He added that Malaysia would continue engaging all parties to preserve peace and stability in the region amid rising geopolitical tensions, including developments in the Middle East that could impact global energy routes.
