KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 2): Construction of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency’s (MMEA) Multi-Purpose Mission Ship 1 (MPMS 1) is progressing smoothly and ahead of schedule, with the vessel expected to begin its voyage home in late January next year.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that upon completion and handover, MPMS 1 would make history as the largest vessel in the MMEA fleet.
He said the acquisition of the strategic asset would enhance the capabilities of MMEA personnel in carrying out various maritime operations, from enforcement and surveillance of the country’s waters to search and rescue (SAR) operations.
“I am in Istanbul, Türkiye today to witness the launch of MPMS 1, the MMEA’s new vessel being built at Desan Shipyard.
“After going through several stages of planning and construction, we can see that MPMS 1 is now closer to becoming part of MMEA’s assets. Its construction is progressing well and ahead of schedule, which is certainly a positive development,” he said in a post on his official Facebook page on Friday.
Saifuddin Nasution earlier officiated the launch of the vessel at Desan Shipyard in Istanbul, which was witnessed by Türkiye’s Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci, Türkiye’s Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir, Turkish Navy Commander Admiral Ercument Tatlioglu and Desan Shipyard representative Cenk Ismail Kaptanoglu.
Also present were Home Ministry Deputy Secretary-General (Management) Ainah Mohd Soon, MMEA Deputy Director-General (Logistics) Vice Admiral (M) Datuk Saiful Lizan Ibrahim, Malaysian Ambassador to Türkiye Adlan Mohd Shaffieq and Malaysian Consul-General in Istanbul Ahmad Amiri Abu Bakar.
Also present was Economic Ministry Director of the Public Safety and Security Division Wan Ahmad Asmady Wan Md Din.
Meanwhile, the Home Ministry (KDN), in a separate statement, said the launch ceremony, attended by about 200 guests, featured a symbolic bottle-breaking ceremony using seawater from Malaysia.
According to KDN, the ceremony symbolised the close cooperation between the two countries before the vessel was launched into the Sea of Marmara.
In conjunction with the launch, Saifuddin Nasution also held a bilateral meeting with Ciftci to discuss matters of mutual interest, including exploring opportunities for technology-sharing in the security and maritime industries.
“The construction of MPMS 1 is a manifestation of the close ties between Malaysia and the Republic of Türkiye. The acquisition of this strategic asset will strengthen MMEA’s operational capabilities in carrying out its responsibility to safeguard the security and sovereignty of the country’s waters.
“The implementation of this project also opens opportunities to strengthen cooperation in shipbuilding, maritime industry development as well as the sharing of expertise and technology between the two countries,” the ministry said.
KDN said the cooperation reflected Malaysia and Türkiye’s continued commitment to expanding strategic ties that would not only be mutually beneficial but also serve as a catalyst for exploring new areas of cooperation in the future.
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