PUTRAJAYA, April 21 2026– The Home Ministry today signed the procurement contract for the second Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS) for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), which is expected to be completed in 2028, further strengthening the country’s maritime security capabilities.
The contract was signed by ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Awang Alik Jeman and Desan Shipyard representativve Cenk İsmail Kaptanoglu, witnessed by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The procurement of the second MPMS was approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan, Fifth Rolling Plan 2025 and awarded to Desan Shipyard of Türkiye at a contract value of USD83.75 million (RM331.36 million).
Saifuddin Nasution said the MPMS acquisition is part of the MADANI Government’s priority to ensure the country’s maritime security remains at the highest level, while also strengthening the operational capability of enforcement agencies in safeguarding national waters.
He said the project implementation period is 24 months, from Feb 1, 2026 to Jan 31, 2028.
“We have strong confidence that Desan Shipyard is capable of completing it, based on the first MPMS, which is currently under construction.
“I was informed that its progress has been very good, meaning it is ahead of schedule,” he told a press conference here today.
He said MMEA’s first MPMS is expected to be completed next year, in time for it to be displayed at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2027.
“The first MPMS will be a landmark pride for MMEA because it is completed on schedule. We will receive it and be able to showcase it at the upcoming LIMA Langkawi,” he said.
He said the two vessels would enhance the security forces’ capability in addressing any threats.
“They are to safeguard the security and sovereignty of our vast maritime waters. I often use the figure of 590,000 square kilometres, and it is very large.
“We are dealing with intrusions by foreign vessels or foreign fishermen. If they are fishing vessels, our marine resources will be affected. If they are foreign state vessels, it becomes a threat to security and sovereignty,” he said.
In a statement, the Home Ministry said the Letter of Acceptance for the second MPMS procurement was handed over to Desan Shipyard on Jan 7, 2026, during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to Ankara.
Also present was MMEA director-general Maritime Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah.
— BERNAMA
