Kuala lumpur: The second Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS) currently being constructed in Turkiye is anticipated to be finished and delivered to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) by the end of next year, as confirmed by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. This development was shared following the Home Ministry's monthly assembly.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the first MPMS vessel is expected to arrive in March next year, just before the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA). Saifuddin Nasution highlighted the swift progress since an agreement was signed during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit two years ago, indicating the ministry's confidence in the decision due to the shorter construction timeline and cost-effectiveness.
The Home Minister announced plans to visit Istanbul at the end of the month for a personal inspection of the vessel's construction progress. The vessel's development is reportedly advancing ahead of schedule, reinforcing the ministry's satisfaction with the project.
In efforts to bolster the MMEA's capabilities, the government is also considering acquiring a second offshore patrol vessel previously operated by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). The decision will hinge on its seaworthiness and repair costs, as per a report from Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Awang Alik Jeman, following an inspection involving MMEA experts and engineers.
Malaysia previously received its first offshore patrol vessel from the USCG, now stationed in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The cooperation with the USCG includes asset contributions, training, joint operations, and intelligence sharing. Saifuddin Nasution emphasized that any further acquisition would depend on a favorable cost-benefit analysis, ensuring no undue burden is placed on the government.
The KM BENDAHARA offshore patrol vessel was acquired through the United States Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program and officially handed over to the MMEA on September 5, 2025, in Baltimore, United States.