KUANTAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is set to receive the Ex-United States Coast Guard Cutter (Ex-USCGC) Steadfast once its preparation in Baltimore, USA, is completed and the vessel is transported back to Malaysia in the first quarter of next year.
MMEA acting director-general Vice Admiral Datuk Saiful Lizan Ibrahim, said the cutter will be a key asset in enhancing the security of Malaysia's Maritime Zone, particularly in the South China Sea.
"This addition will greatly expand and enhance our operational capabilities," he told a press conference following the completion of Maritime Class II Seaman Training Series 17/2023, involving 75 trainees at the Sultan Ahmad Shah Maritime Academy (AMSAS) here today (Aug 3).
Elaborating, Saiful Lizan said the endurance cutter measures 64.16 metres in length, 10 metres in width and weighs 1,100 tons. It can accommodate up to 12 officers and 63 other ranks, with a top speed of up to 18 knots.
He also expressed gratitude to the Home Ministry for finalising the agreement between the Malaysian and the United States governments through the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for the vessel transfer.
Meanwhile, Saiful Lizan said the tender process for MMEA's new flagship vessel, with a procurement budget of RM330 million, is expected to be finalised by the end of this year.
He added that the specifications for the ship are anticipated to be completed by the end of this month, and the project is expected to commence in the first quarter of next year with the appointed company.
To position AMSAS as an international centre of excellence, he noted that repair and maintenance work on the facility began last year with a total allocation of RM1.3 million.
In addition, RM11 million has been allocated to AMSAS under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12) for upgrading the outdoor shooting range, with completion expected by 2026. — BERNAMA