PUTRAJAYA, Aug 31 (Bernama) -- The Ibrahim Class Boat of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) made its debut at today’s National Day parade.
MMEA director-general Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah said the vessel, a royal gift from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, was built by Royal Boat Hangar Johor.
“The handover of this boat on March 6 symbolises the King’s commitment to supporting Maritime Malaysia’s efforts in ensuring the nation’s waters remain at the highest level of security,” he told reporters after the 2025 National Day celebration.
Earlier, Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, graced the National Day celebration, which was also attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Cabinet ministers, including Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, as well as diplomats and foreign envoys.
Mohd Rosli said the vessel, built from high-quality marine-grade aluminium, features a design that emphasises durability and stability.
“Measuring 12.6 metres in length with a maximum beam of 3.5 metres, and powered by three 300-horsepower Mercury outboard motors, the boat can reach a top speed of 56 knots with an optimal cruising speed of 40 knots. This makes it a high-speed interceptor capable of operating at peak performance,” he said.
He said the asset was provided on a cost-free five-year loan and will be fully utilised to enhance MMEA’s patrol and operational capabilities, adding that following a decision by MMEA’s top management on April 30, it was assigned to the Johor Maritime office.
In addition to the Ibrahim-class boat, Mohd Rosli said the agency also showcased its rescue swimmer team, specially trained to carry out life-saving missions at sea in extreme situations.
He said the team consists of 11 operational members, with another 12 undergoing training, making it fully mission-capable and ever ready to carry out operations, day and night.
On the security of the nation’s waters, Mohd Rosli said cross-border crimes such as human smuggling and trafficking, incursions by foreign fishermen, and illegal drug trafficking have shown a downward trend.
“This shows that Maritime Malaysia, with support from partner agencies such as the Marine Police and the Royal Malaysian Navy, has done an excellent job in safeguarding the nation’s waters from intrusion,” he added.
-- BERNAMA
