MMEA TO RECEIVE FOUR AW189 HELICOPTERS NEXT YEAR, ENHANCING OPERATIONAL CAPABILITIES

PORT DICKSON, May 9 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is set to receive four Augusta Westland AW189 Medium Lift helicopters in stages next year, which will enhance its operational capabilities.

MMEA acting deputy director-general (Operations) Rear Admiral Mohd Zawawi Abdullah said the procurement of two new vessels, namely the Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS), was also in its final stages.

“We will also receive two New Generation Patrol Vessels (NGPV) and the ex-United States Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast, which are expected to arrive in Malaysia by the end of this year once minor repairs and modifications in Baltimore, United States, have been completed.

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“The MMEA continues to strengthen its operations through the acquisition of several Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) that can accommodate helicopters to further enhance its presence at sea and bolster maritime security in both national and international waters,” he said.

He said this to reporters after the closing ceremony of OP Redback 20, which was also attended by Australian Border Force (ABF) Counsellor at the Australian High Commission Supt Brooke Leung and acting Melaka and Negeri Sembilan MMEA director, Maritime Commander Norrimi Hassan, here today.

Mohd Zawawi said the asset modernisation initiative was a key component of the 2023–2033 Strategic Plan, in line with current technological advancements and asset replacement efforts aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and reducing long-term maintenance costs.

Meanwhile, he said the MMEA had arrested 17 illegal immigrants nationwide between January and April this year.

Mohd Zawawi said those detained comprised eight Indonesians and nine Myanmar nationals, aged between 15 and 60, who were caught attempting to enter or leave the country via illegal routes, including in Pengkalan Balak, Melaka; Sepang, Selangor; and Hutan Melintang, Perak.

“During the same period, 16 individuals were arrested nationwide for smuggling controlled goods like petrol and diesel, especially in Sabah waters, and 17 others were detained for trafficking contraband items such as cigarettes, liquor, and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders, with goods valued at over RM9.2 million seized,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mohd Zawawi said efforts to combat maritime cross-border crime continued to be reinforced through Op Redback 20, which involved strategic cooperation between the MMEA and the ABF in the waters of Melaka and Negeri Sembilan.

According to him, during the operation, which took place from May 5 to 9, a total of 122 inspections were conducted, involving merchant ships, local fishing vessels, passenger boats, and tugboats across an area of 2,860 square kilometres, from Kuala Sepang, Selangor, to Kuala Kesang, Johor.

“This operation is not just a bilateral cooperation but also a testament to our ongoing commitment to combating crimes such as smuggling, illegal activities, unreported and unregulated fishing, and migrant smuggling, all of which pose a threat to the security of the country’s waters,” he said.

Mohd Zawawi said the annual operation, which began in 2012 under a memorandum of understanding between the Malaysian and Australian governments, has become a key platform for enhancing preparedness and the effectiveness of maritime law enforcement between the two countries.

-- BERNAMA