MMEA's KM Gagah Ready To Resume Operations

LUMUT, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) today received its KM Gagah patrol vessel after it underwent a 20-month “repowering” and “refit” by Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Marine Engineering Technology (UniKL MIMET).

MMEA Engineering Division senior assistant director, Maritime Captain Mohd Rizal Hishamuddin said the effort ensures that the agency’s assets remain in optimal condition, ready to safeguard the nation’s waters.

He noted that with KM Gagah resuming operations, MMEA would strengthen its presence and operations, thus ensuring the safety of Malaysia’s Maritime Zone (ZMM), particularly in Perak’s waters.

“The work scope included engine replacement and structural maintenance of the vessel, along with mechanical, electrical and electronic system upgrades, ensuring the vessel’s extended lifespan for longer operations.

“KM Gagah, which has been fully restored, passed its Harbour Acceptance Trial (HAT) on Aug 23 and its Sea Acceptance Trial (SAT) on Aug 28 in the Melaka Strait. It is capable of operating at sea for seven days without resupply and reaching a speed of 21.7 knots,” he said during the KM Gagah handover ceremony at the UniKL MIMET Shipyard here today.

Also present were MARA Perak director Rizal Effendi Razali, UniKL’s Deputy President of International Networks, Industry, and Institutions Prof Dr Azmi Hassan, and MMEA Head of Maritime Development Project Management, Maritime Captain Mohammad Nasir Man.

Mohd Rizal added that the vessel, built in the 1980s, is equipped with a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) and i-band radar for extensive surveillance and that it can also accommodate 27 crew members at any one time. 

“We hope that KM Gagah will provide significant returns on investment (ROI) to the government through the enforcement it will carry out.

“Additionally, KM Gagah will help reduce cross-border criminal activities, especially in the Melaka Strait ,” he said.

Meanwhile, Azmi said that KM Gagah’s maintenance involved experts from UniKL MIMET and local skilled workers from the industry.

“The repair project allowed 117 UniKL MIMET students to gain hands-on experience with an actual industry-standard project through the Teaching Factory concept. Nine protégés from UniKL MIMET alumni were also involved.

“This project proves that skilled workers trained through the TVET pathway are in high demand in the shipbuilding and repair industries, and it highlights UniKL MIMET’s important role in producing highly skilled graduates to support the nation’s maritime industry,” he added.

Azmi stated that KM Gagah, measuring 39.5 metres in length and 7 metres in width with a weight of 221 tonnes, served in the Marine Operations Force for 26 years before being gradually transferred to MMEA starting in June 2005.

“This project was also monitored by Ship Classification Malaysia (SCM) to ensure all work adhered to international standards.

“It is also the first vessel in the ‘GAGAH’ class to undergo repowering and refit at the UniKL MIMET shipyard,” he said.

-- BERNAMA