MMEA Strengthens Infrastructure, Assets To Safeguard Sovereignty Of M'sian Waters

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 (Bernama) -- The development and upgrading of maritime zone complexes at strategic locations will be the main thrust of empowering the infrastructure of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), thus ensuring effective security operations in the country's waters.

MMEA deputy director-general (Logistics) Vice-Admiral Datuk Saiful Lizan Ibrahim said the agency currently operates maritime zone complexes at several strategic locations, including Semporna, Kudat in Sabah; Labuan; Miri in Sarawak; Tok Bali in Kelantan; and along the East Coast of the Peninsula.

"The maritime complexes at the frontline not only constitute comprehensive operations centres with advanced equipment, but also ensure the personnel can carry out their tasks more efficiently and comfortably.

"These facilities are also equipped with operations control centres, logistical and technical support that allows swift response to any incidents at sea, including faster search and rescue (SAR) operations to be conducted,” he said as a guest on Bernama TV's "Apa Khabar Malaysia” programme today.

The media had previously reported that the MMEA received an allocation of RM2.29 billion under Budget 2026, which would be channelled towards strategic asset procurement, infrastructure development and the adoption of modern technology.

Last year, the MMEA reportedly saved 1,765 lives and RM1.8 billion worth of property, in addition to recording seizures totalling RM102.9 million from over 248,000 inspections, involving 1,124 cases of arrests.

Commenting on the strengthening of its armada, Saiful Lizan said the MMEA is procuring modern assets, including the Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS) and Maritime Surveillance Aircraft, which are expected to be delivered by the end of next year, in addition to four AW189 Medium Lift helicopters, with the first aircraft expected to be received in July.

He added that the procurement of these high-tech assets would enable it to conduct operations over longer periods and over greater distances.

He said the MMEA is also actively integrating elements of modern technology, including integrated monitoring systems, radars, data analytics and the use of artificial intelligence (AI), to obtain real-time verified information for faster response time, especially in rescue operations.

"As for the existing assets, we are conducting structured maintenance based on the Ship Life Extension Programme (SLEP), Refit and Repowering initiatives. Through the replacement of the main equipment and system updates, the lifespan of ships can be extended by an extra 10 to 15 years,” he said.

In another development, he said the MMEA is scheduled to celebrate its 21st anniversary on Feb 15, themed "Maritim Diperkasa, Samudera Terpelihara” (Maritime Empowered, Ocean Protected), in Miri, Sarawak.

According to him, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail will officiate the celebration at the Miri Maritime Zone Complex, which will serve as the frontliners’ operations centre to coordinate logistics support in the Sarawak waters.

-- BERNAMA