MMEA To Focus on Strategic Assets And Modern Tech - DG

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 9 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is focusing on the procurement of strategic assets, infrastructure development, and the implementation of modern technology, following a surge in its Development Expenditure to RM1.2 billion this year.

MMEA Director-General (Maritime Admiral) Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah stated that the procurement of Maritime Surveillance Aircraft, an operational vehicle replacement plan, and the construction and upgrading of maritime complexes and jetties at strategic locations remain top priorities for the agency.

"The development allocation for this year shows a significant increase of 101.43 percent compared to the previous year, reflecting the MADANI Government's commitment to strengthening MMEA's role as the nation's primary maritime security agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN)," he said in a statement today.

Mohd Rosli also shared that the first Multi-Purpose Mission Ship project has reached 58.3 percent completion - ahead of its original schedule and expected to be fully completed next year. Meanwhile, the procurement of four AW189 Medium Lift helicopters has reached 44.66 percent progress, with the first aircraft expected to be received this July.

Under Budget 2026, the MMEA has been allocated a total of RM2.29 billion for this year, comprising RM1.09 billion for Operating Expenditure (OE) and RM1.2 billion for DE.

Commenting further on the enforcement agency’s direction, Mohd Rosli said the Ministry of Home Affairs has set a target to increase operational days at sea to 280 days, compared to 250 days last year, in line with the need to strengthen presence in national waters.

"MMEA will continue to practice a 'Whole-of-Government' approach through integrated cooperation with agencies under KDN, including sharing intelligence and joint operations, to ensure enforcement effectiveness for the safety of our waters, national sovereignty, and the people's wellbeing," he said.

In the same vein, Mohd Rosli noted that the agency handled 255 incidents at sea throughout last year, successfully saving 1,765 lives, with the value of property saved estimated to reach RM1.8 billion.

"The agency also recorded seizures totaling RM102.9 million resulting from 248,058 inspections, involving 1,124 cases of arrests and seizures for various maritime law offences," he added.

--BERNAMA