Turkish Made Multipurpose Mission Ship To Beef Up Mmea

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Home ministry secretary-general Awang Alik Jeman signed the Letter of Acceptance on behalf of Malaysia, with Desan Shipyard Board chairman Cenk Ismail Kaptanoglu, at the Desan Shipyard in Turkey yesterday. (MMEA pic)
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia continues to strengthen the security of the country’s waters with the acquisition of a multipurpose mission ship (MPMS) made by Turkey worth US$68.8 million (RM304.3 million) for the use of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).
MMEA said the Letter of Acceptance for the acquisition of the ship was signed by home ministry secretary-general Awang Alik Jeman on behalf of Malaysia, while Turkey was represented by Desan Shipyard Board chairman Cenk Ismail Kaptanoglu at the Desan Shipyard in Turkey yesterday.
Awang said the acquisition of the ship is a strategic step in strengthening the security of the country’s waters besides reflecting the close relationship between Malaysia and Turkey in the defence sector and shipbuilding industry.
“This MPMS will be an important asset in enhancing Malaysia’s maritime enforcement capabilities.
“This cooperation proves the commitment of both countries in addressing increasingly complex maritime security threats, including foreign vessel incursions and cross-border criminal activities,” he said.
According to MMEA director-general Rosli Abdullah, who was also present at the signing ceremony, the ship is equipped with sophisticated technology and a modern operating system that can improve the effectiveness of controlling the country’s waters.
“The 99m-long ship can operate for 30 days non-stop and carry 70 crew and 30 passengers.
“It is also equipped with four fast interceptor boats (FIC), two unmanned aerial drones (UAVs), a helicopter landing deck, medical facilities and a detention centre,” he said.
Desan Shipyard, a shipyard solution provider, was established in 1970.
MMEA said the agreement signing ceremony was part of a series of official document exchange sessions witnessed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan during Erdogan’s official visit to the country on Feb 11. - FMT

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