Langkawi: The signing of two memoranda of understanding (MoU) is set to reinforce Melaka’s status as a strategic industrial development hub in the maritime and aerospace sectors, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. He said the two agreements involved the Straits of Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone (SM-WEZ) Corporation and Henry the Black Shipyard Sdn Bhd for the development of the Enrique of Malacca Shipyard, as well as Weststar Aviation Sdn Bhd for the establishment of the Aviation Centre of Excellence at the Melaka International Airport (LTAM).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ab Rauf stated that the Enrique of Malacca Shipyard project reflected the state government’s commitment to driving high-impact development through the Future Maritime City initiative. This strategic transformation includes a new port, a cruise terminal jetty, a high-tech industrial sector and commercial tourism activities such as floating chalets and marinas, as well as a shipbuilding and servicing facility on a 17-hectare site in the SM-WEZ special economic zone, at a cost of RM180 million. Henry the Black Shipyard is expected to bring expertise, manpower, and extensive experience in the maritime sector, particularly in shipyard operations.
The MoU signing ceremony took place in Langkawi and was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. Also present were Italian Ambassador to Malaysia Massimo Rustico and Weststar Aviation Sdn Bhd chairman Tan Sri Dr Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim.
Ab Rauf mentioned that the company had formed a strategic partnership with Desan Deniz, a leading shipping firm from Istanbul, Turkiye, with 47 years of experience in the global maritime industry. The shipyard project will be named after the renowned Malay sailor Panglima Awang, also known as Enrique of Malacca, who circumnavigated the globe.
Meanwhile, the development of the Aviation Centre of Excellence at LTAM will comprise three main components: the Helicopter Flight Training Centre, the Helicopter Maintenance, Refurbishment and Overhaul Hub, and the Helicopter Logistics Hub, positioning Melaka as the largest helicopter hub in Southeast Asia. Weststar had expressed interest in the seven-hectare area at LTAM following a site visit on April 15, and the project is now undergoing a technical evaluation.
Ab Rauf emphasized that they have set aside two years to finalize this collaboration, which is expected to lay the foundation for long-term investment, create highly skilled jobs including producing 1,500 helicopter pilots, and drive development in the aerospace sector through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and aviation engineering.