Malaysia Expected To Get Second USCG Cutter, USD 7 Mln In FMF From US

By Muhamad Amir Aiman Azlan

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- The United States has selected Malaysia to receive a second decommissioned United States Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter, along with an allocation of USD 7 million under the Foreign Military Fund (FMF) programme to enhance the nation’s maritime domain awareness.

US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, however, said the vessel transfer is still pending congressional approval.

She said the announcement reflects Washington’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with Malaysia through capacity building and enforcement activities.

“I thank Malaysia for its commitment to strengthening our partnership as we expand our cooperation through greater capacity building and enforcement activities. Together, we recognise our common aim that Malaysian waters will not be used as a hub for illicit activity.

“Additional equipment combined with the two vessels will strengthen your ability to secure your waterway,” she said.

The announcement was made during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation on Maritime Issues, held in conjunction with the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here today.

On Sept 6, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency officially received the former USCG Cutter Steadfast at the Wheaton O’Thorp Centre in the US.

Meanwhile, National Security Council (NSC) director-general Raja Datuk Nushirwan Zainal Abidin said Malaysia remains committed to enforcing laws and safeguarding its maritime space.

“This is an important milestone in terms of the US cooperation on maritime issues. In the Malaysian context, we will always do our best to enforce regulations within our maritime domain,” he said.

In a statement, NSC said the MoU establishes a framework to strengthen collaboration on maritime issues, focusing on enhancing Malaysia’s capacities to prevent violations of national law in its maritime sphere.

“This can be done through the sharing of information, technical expertise and best practices, supporting capacity building, training and enforcement capabilities. It also serves as a basis to further cooperation in other maritime issues,” it said.

-- BERNAMA