KUCHING: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is set to enhance security along Sarawak’s water borders in the South China Sea with the addition of the new Offshore Patrol Vessel 1 (OPV1).
Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ruji Ubi said that the fifth OPV for MMEA will play a crucial role in patrolling the state’s waters, intensifying efforts to identify potential threats from neighbouring countries.
He noted the versatility of the OPV1, citing its capability to facilitate helicopter landings, aiding in emergency situations, and supporting MMEA’s search and rescue (SAR) operations.
“If there is an emergency or a need for the MMEA to conduct search and rescue operations in these waters, helicopters can be used,” he told the media during an official visit to the OPV1 ship on Thursday (Jan 18).
Expressing hope that the OPV1, delivered to MMEA on Thursday, will reassure the public about ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and related issues, Ruji disclosed that the vessel, locally manufactured, will be stationed at Beting Patinggi Ali and Beting Raja Jarum in Sarawak.
Furthermore, he revealed plans for two additional OPVs to be completed within 24 months, bolstering MMEA’s presence in the South China Sea, a region marked by rapid economic activity and merchant ship movements.
“For OPV2, currently it is at 76 per cent, and OPV3 is at 57 per cent completion works. We hope that in the next 24 months, we will receive these (two) assets, and it would strengthen the border controls along the South China Sea. The total cost of all three OPVs is around RM740mil.”
The official name for the OPV1 will be announced at a later date. MMEA director-general Maritime Admiral Datuk Hamid Mohd Amin and Home Ministry deputy secretary-general Dr Abdul Gapar Abu Bakar were present during the official visit to the OPV1 ship.
