KOTA KINABALU: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) places former United States Coast Guard cutter KM Bendahara in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, to strengthen South China Sea maritime security.
MMEA Director-General Maritime Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah announced the vessel's deployment following its naming ceremony at Kota Kinabalu Port on Saturday (July 25). The cutter will support maritime law enforcement, search-and-rescue operations, and strategic patrols alongside KM Tun Fatimah and KM Arau.
Malaysia acquired the former USCGC Steadfast through the US Foreign Military Sales programme, taking official delivery in Baltimore on Sept 5 2025. The Malaysian government spent approximately RM30mil on vessel repairs, maintenance, crew transportation, fuel, port charges, and provisions.
The vessel completed a 49-day, 12,600-nautical-mile voyage before arriving in Kota Kinabalu last November.
“We are confident that the vessel can continue operating for another 15 to 20 years,” said Rosli.
Operated by a crew of 50, KM Bendahara is Malaysia’s first maritime vessel successfully obtained through the Foreign Military Sales programme.
Home Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Dr Awang Alik Jeman stated the deployment reflects the government's commitment to strengthening strategic maritime assets. As of June 30, MMEA conducted 27,933 inspections in Sabah waters, executing 142 arrests and RM91.53mil in seizures.
