MALAYSIA continues to strengthen the security of its waters with the acquisition of a Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS) manufactured in Turkey, valued at US$68.8 million (RM304.29 million), for the use of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).
Maritime Malaysia said in a statement that the Letter of Acceptance (LoA) for the acquisition of the ship was signed by the Home Ministry secretary-general, Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, on behalf of Malaysia, while Turkey was represented by the Chairman of the Board of Desan Shipyard, Cenk Ismail Kaptanoglu, at the Desan Shipyard, Turkey, yesterday.
MMEA director-general Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah, who also attended the signing ceremony, said that the ship is equipped with advanced technology and modern operating systems that can enhance the effectiveness of the country's maritime control. reported Bernama.
This 99-metre-long ship can operate for 30 consecutive days and is capable of carrying 70 crew members and 30 passengers.
"It is also equipped with four fast interceptor crafts (FIC), two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), a helicopter landing deck, medical facilities, and a detention centre," he said in the same statement. Desan Shipyard, the company responsible for building the ship, was established in 1970 and is one of the renowned shipyard solution providers in Turkey.
The company is involved in shipyard construction and development, ship maintenance and repair, shipbuilding, and shipping-related activities.
The signing ceremony of the agreement was part of a series of official document exchange sessions witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the Turkish leader's official visit to the country on February 11.
Meanwhile, Awang Alik, in the same statement, said that the acquisition of the ship is a strategic step in strengthening the country's maritime security, as well as reflecting the close relationship between Malaysia and Turkey in the defence sector and shipbuilding industry.
"This MPMS ship will be an important asset in enhancing the enforcement capabilities of the MMEA.
"This cooperation demonstrates the commitment of both countries in addressing the increasingly complex maritime security threats, including foreign vessel incursions and cross-border criminal activities," he said. – March 22, 2025
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