Latest news with #Multi-PurposeMissionShip
The Star
26-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
MMEA on high alert, strengthens fleet to tackle drug smuggling at sea
ALOR SETAR: With 80% of drugs entering Malaysia via sea routes, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has stepped up patrols and strengthened its fleet with new vessels and aircraft to curb cross-border smuggling. MMEA director-general Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah said that the agency remains on high alert and will continue to enhance maritime surveillance and enforcement to prevent drug syndicates from exploiting national waters. "MMEA will not compromise on any attempt to smuggle drugs into the country via sea. Every inch of our maritime borders is our responsibility," he said in a statement on Saturday (July 26). He acknowledged that Malaysia's waters remain a prime target for international drug syndicates, which use sea routes as their "safe passage" into the country. He made the statement following Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail's disclosure on Friday (July 25) that the majority of drug supplies entering Malaysia come through maritime routes. From 2020 to June 2025, MMEA recorded 117 drug-related seizures nationwide, valued at nearly RM200mil. "These are not small figures and every seizure saves thousands of lives from drug addiction. We will continue to intensify operations and intelligence work with other enforcement agencies to address this issue," he said. To boost enforcement capabilities, MMEA has deployed the KM Tun Fatimah patrol vessel in the South China Sea and stationed new-generation patrol boats at hotspot areas. The agency is also expecting the Ex-USCG Cutter Steadfast patrol ship in November, an AW189 helicopter in 2026, and a Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS) from Turkiye in 2027. "These assets will strengthen not just our physical capabilities but also our monitoring and operational readiness at sea," Mohd Rosli said, thanking Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for approving the acquisitions through the Home Ministry. Saifuddin had earlier said that MMEA is responsible for securing 680,000 square kilometres of Malaysian waters. – Bernama
New Straits Times
26-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
RM200mil in drug hauls seized by MMEA since 2020
ALOR STAR: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has seized nearly RM200 million worth of drugs since 2020, reflecting its heightened readiness to tackle cross-border smuggling via the nation's waters. Its director-general, Maritime Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah, said this reinforced the Home Minister's recent statement that 80 per cent of drugs entering the country are trafficked by sea. "MMEA will never compromise when it comes to attempts to smuggle drugs into the country by sea. "Every inch of our maritime border is our responsibility," he said in a statement today. Rosli said Malaysia's waters remain a prime target for international drug syndicates, which view maritime routes as the "safer passage" into the country. He said that from 2020 to June this year, the agency recorded 117 drug-related arrests nationwide with seizures worth nearly RM200 million. "These are not small numbers. Every successful seizure potentially saves thousands of lives from the grip of drug addiction. "Therefore, MMEA will continue to intensify operations and intelligence sharing with other enforcement agencies to tackle this issue," he said. To bolster enforcement capabilities, the agency has expanded its maritime and aerial assets in recent years. Among its latest strategic assets is the KM Tun Fatimah, currently operating in the South China Sea, along with several next-generation patrol boats deployed at known smuggling hotspots. The agency is also expecting the arrival of the EX-USCG Cutter Steadfast in November this year and the AW189 helicopter in 2026. A Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS) from Turkiye is slated for delivery in 2027. "These acquisitions not only strengthen our physical capabilities but also enhance our surveillance and operational capacity at sea, proving the Madani government's commitment to equipping MMEA as the nation's maritime security shield," he said. Rosli also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his attention and approval of the agency's asset requests through the Home Ministry.
Barnama
26-07-2025
- Barnama
MMEA On High Alert, Strengthens Fleet To Tackle Sea Drug Smuggling
ALOR SETAR, July 26 (Bernama) -- With 80 per cent of drugs entering Malaysia via sea routes, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is stepping up patrols and strengthening its fleet with new vessels and aircraft to curb cross-border smuggling. MMEA Director-General Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah said the agency remains on high alert and will continue to enhance maritime surveillance and enforcement to prevent drug syndicates from exploiting national waters. 'MMEA will not compromise on any attempt to smuggle drugs into the country via sea. Every inch of our maritime borders is our responsibility,' he said in a statement today. He acknowledged that Malaysia's waters remain a prime target for international drug syndicates, which use sea routes as their 'safe passage' into the country. He made the statement following Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail's disclosure yesterday that the majority of drug supplies entering Malaysia come through maritime routes. From 2020 to June 2025, MMEA recorded 117 drug-related seizures nationwide, valued at nearly RM200 million. 'These are not small figures and every seizure saves thousands of lives from drug addiction. We will continue to intensify operations and intelligence work with other enforcement agencies to address this issue,' he said. To boost enforcement capabilities, MMEA has deployed the KM Tun Fatimah patrol vessel in the South China Sea and stationed new-generation patrol boats at hotspot areas. The agency is also expecting the Ex-USCG Cutter Steadfast patrol ship in November, an AW189 helicopter in 2026 and a Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS) from Turkiye in 2027.
The Star
09-05-2025
- The Star
MMEA to receive four AW189 helicopters next year, enhancing operational capabilities
PORT DICKSON: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) will 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, 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. "The MMEA continues to strengthen its operations by acquiring several Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) that can accommodate helicopters to enhance its presence at sea further and bolster maritime security in 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 on Friday (May 9). 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 to enhance operational efficiency and reduce 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 RM9.2mil seized," he said. Meanwhile, Mohd Zawawi said efforts to combat maritime cross-border crime continued to be reinforced through Ops Redback 20, which involved strategic cooperation between the MMEA and the ABF in Melaka and Negeri Sembilan waters. 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 threaten 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
The Sun
22-04-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Sultan Nazrin launches book honouring MMEA's 20th anniversary
PUTRAJAYA: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, today graced the launch of the 'Helang Samudera: Perisai Maritim' coffee table book by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). The 180-page book, published in conjunction with the agency's 20th anniversary, reflects the dedication of MMEA as the country's key institution in safeguarding national maritime security. The launch was also attended by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, his Deputy Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain and MMEA Director-General Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah. In his speech, Saifuddin Nasution described the book's publication as a meaningful tribute to the nation's maritime heroes who have risked their lives over two decades to defend the sovereignty of the country's waters. 'This book is not merely a historical documentation but a valuable treasure that showcases the courage, resilience and dedication of MMEA personnel in addressing cross-border crimes, maritime intrusions and high-risk rescue operations,' he said as he expressed appreciation for the dedication of MMEA personnel. He also touched on the acquisition of vessels and helicopters to enhance the agency's maritime defence and enforcement capabilities. The MMEA is set to receive a new flagship vessel from Turkiye, the Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS), which is expected to begin operations in the first quarter of 2027. The MPMS can operate continuously for 30 days and is equipped with modern assets, including four Fast Interceptor Crafts (FIC), two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a helicopter landing deck, medical facilities and a detention centre. Measuring 99 metres in length, the vessel can accommodate a crew of 70 and carry 30 passengers. It will primarily patrol the South China Sea, addressing foreign vessel intrusions and illegal fishing activities. It also aims to combat transnational crimes such as smuggling and human trafficking. The Home Ministry has also finalised the procurement of four helicopters worth RM600 million for the MMEA. The coffee table book, published by Universiti Putra Malaysia in collaboration with the National Book Development Foundation, features high-quality visual narratives and real-life operational stories that have never been shared with the public. To broaden public awareness of MMEA's role, the book will be distributed to libraries nationwide, including schools and universities.
