KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is set to receive a new multi-purpose mission ship (MPMS) from Turkiye, with full operational deployment expected in the first quarter of 2027.
The acquisition is part of a strategic initiative to enhance the nation’s maritime defence and enforcement capabilities.
MMEA Director-General Admiral Datuk Haji Mohd Rosli Abdullah said that the procurement of the MPMS is a significant decision by the government in addressing increasingly complex maritime security challenges, Bernama reported.
The ship, constructed by Desan Shipyard in Turkiye, was selected based on merit and the company’s recognised expertise in the global defence industry. The 99-metre-long vessel, capable of carrying 70 crew members and 30 passengers, will focus on patrolling the South China Sea.
Rosli highlighted that the MPMS acquisition marks a major leap in MMEA’s operational capabilities. The high-tech vessel, designed for long-range missions, will be a key asset in protecting Malaysia’s waters.
“Equipped with advanced specifications, the MPMS can operate continuously for 30 days and is fitted with four fast interceptor craft (FIC), two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), a helideck, medical facilities, and a detention centre,” he said.
Its primary roles include countering foreign vessel intrusions, preventing illegal fishing activities, and combating transnational crimes such as smuggling and human trafficking.
The agreement was formalised during a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exchange ceremony held at Kompleks Seri Perdana, Putrajaya, yesterday. The event saw Malaysia represented by Home Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Awang Alik Jeman and Turkiye by Desan Shipyard Chairman Cenk Ismail Kaptanoğlu.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan witnessed the signing, alongside senior officials from the Home Ministry and the Foreign Ministry.
Rosli further emphasised that this agreement aligns with Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen maritime security through international cooperation. MMEA remains optimistic that the collaboration with Turkiye will bolster bilateral ties in maritime defence, benefiting both national security and regional stability.– February 12, 2025