PUTRAJAYA: A second offshore patrol vessel ordered from Türkiye for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is expected to be delivered by the end of next year, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Speaking at a press conference following the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly on Monday (Sept 14), the Home Minister noted that the second order was placed after construction on the first vessel progressed ahead of schedule.
“Two years ago, during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Malaysia, we signed an agreement for one ship,” Saifuddin said. “In under two years, it is already complete. Compared to other projects where funds were spent without results—such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and the Pulau Indah vessel—this construction is ahead of schedule.”
He expressed confidence in the ministry's decision, citing the rapid turnaround time and reasonable pricing.
“I have since requested a second unit from the same shipyard. The first vessel will arrive in March next year—just in time for the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA ’27)—while the second will arrive by year-end,” he added, noting the new assets will boost MMEA operational capacity and morale.
Addressing a separate matter, Saifuddin stated that Malaysia will not accept a proposed ship transfer from the US Coast Guard if experts deem it operationally or financially impractical.
A delegation led by the ministry’s secretary-general will travel to the United States. to inspect the vessel and assess its condition.
“It is an offer from the US Coast Guard that we had received following the first ship given to us previously. It will depend on the reports by the secretary-general that will be given to me.
“If the sea worthiness of the ship is low and the cost of repairing is high then it will end up as a burden. Our asset purchasing process is an ongoing one,” he said.
