Malaysia strengthens its maritime patrol fleet with a second multi-purpose mission ship from Turkey, enhancing enforcement across its vast economic zone.
PUTRAJAYA: The Home Ministry has officially finalised the acquisition of a second Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS) for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), as work on the first vessel progresses ahead of schedule.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution announced that the contract for the second vessel, valued at US$83.75 million, was awarded to Türkiye’s Desan Shipyard.
The project, approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan, is scheduled for a 24-month construction period, commencing on Feb 1 2026, with an expected completion date of Jan 31 2028.
Saifuddin expressed confidence in the timeline, noting that the first MPMS is currently at 68.91% completion, roughly 20 days ahead of its original 2.91% target.
“The construction of the primary vessel is showing highly encouraging progress. Due to this performance, we are optimistic that both the first and second ships will be delivered on time,” Saifuddin stated following the contract signing ceremony.
The agreement was signed by Home Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Dr Awang Alik Jeman and Desan Shipyard representative Cenk Ismail Kaptanoglu, witnessed by MMEA Director-General Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah.
Saifuddin emphasised that the acquisition is a critical component of the government’s strategy to safeguard Malaysia’s vast maritime zone, which spans approximately 590,000 square kilometres.
The MMEA’s jurisdiction extends up to 200 nautical miles within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), where it faces challenges including: foreign incursions and illegal fishing, cross-border smuggling and search-and-rescue (SAR) operations.
“By upgrading our assets, we enhance our patrol, radar, communications, and enforcement capabilities,” Saifuddin added.
Designed to function as a “mothership,” the MPMS can remain at sea longer than existing assets, accommodate more personnel, and support helicopter landings.
This allows the MMEA to operate more efficiently in high-risk zones identified through threat mapping.
The Minister also linked the need for advanced vessels to the complexity of maritime crime, particularly fuel smuggling.
He pointed out that the significant price gap between open-market diesel (approximately RM6 per litre) and subsidised fuel for fishermen (RM1.65 per litre) remains a major driver of illegal activity at sea.
The selection of Desan Shipyard follows Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to Ankara in January this year, where the Letter of Acceptance was issued. Saifuddin stated that the choice reflects the government’s trust in the shipbuilder’s extensive industry expertise.
If progress remains on track, the Ministry expects to showcase the first MPMS at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima) in April 2027.
“This acquisition demonstrates the government’s unwavering commitment to national security while simultaneously strengthening the strategic defence partnership between Malaysia and Türkiye,” Saifuddin said.
