Deputy Minister: One new MMEA ship to be stationed in Sarawak

MIRI (Feb 16): One of the two Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency’s (MMEA) Multi-Purpose Mission Ships (MPMS) expected to be completed by the end of this year will be stationed in Sarawak waters to further strengthen maritime security.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the other MPMS would be deployed at another strategic location along the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

“Today’s security challenges are extraordinary and continue to evolve. Therefore, the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), through MMEA, is constantly enhancing the agency’s capabilities, including manpower, updated training and the use of modern technology.

“At the same time, we are strengthening and improving our assets to ensure preparedness in facing unforeseen challenges,” he said after officiating the MMEA’s 21st anniversary and opening of the new MMEA Miri Zone Complex here yesterday.

Shamsul Anuar said the federal government had signed an agreement with Desan Shipyard Turkiye for the construction of the second MPMS.

Apart from the two MPMS vessels, he said the MMEA will also receive four Agusta Westland AW189 medium-lift helicopters, to be delivered in stages beginning this July.

“All four helicopters would be stationed in Sabah based on security requirements and threat assessments.

“Asset deployment under KDN is always carried out based on comprehensive considerations, including security aspects, current threats and operational needs, and not arbitrarily,” he added.

On maritime security, particularly with the increase in oil and gas activities in Sarawak and offshore operations, Shamsul Anuar said the MMEA continuously assesses the need for personnel and asset deployment.

“All planning, including the placement of MMEA assets, takes into account various factors and issues that have been raised,” he said.

“This includes the deployment of the MPMS to be acquired by the end of the year, which will be stationed in Sarawak to address security needs, including offshore areas.”

Delivering a speech earlier on behalf of Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Shamsul Anuar said maritime security has become a key priority amid an increasingly complex global security landscape.

Malaysia, he said, faces unique challenges as it is surrounded by waters such as the South China Sea, Sulu Sea, Sulawesi Sea, Straits of Malacca, and Tebrau Strait, covering some 556,285 square kilometres.

He described these waterways as not merely sea routes but the backbone of the nation’s geopolitics, economy, and security.

“In 2025, through continuous enforcement, asset readiness and the high commitment of MMEA officers and personnel, the agency recorded seizures worth RM102.9 million following 248,058 inspections involving 1,124 cases of arrests and seizures for various maritime offences.

“For search and rescue operations, MMEA handled 255 maritime incidents, with 1,765 lives successfully saved,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shamsul Anuar said the KDN also places strong emphasis on physical support and a conducive working environment for MMEA personnel.

“The Miri Maritime Zone Complex is not merely an administrative building, but also serves as an operations, coordination, and logistics centre that will enable the MMEA to act more efficiently, swiftly, and effectively in facing any challenges,” he said.

Among those present were KDN secretary-general Datuk Dr Awang Alik Jeman, MMEA director-general Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah, Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Miri MP Chiew Choon Man, and Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting.