Sabah receives new patrol boat from Japan

Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency says the KM Arau, the second boat donated by Japan, will boost operational capabilities, especially in Sabah's east coast waters.

KOTA KNABALU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) received another coastal patrol boat from Japan on Wednesday.

The vessel, named KM Arau, is set to boost the agency’s operational capability in Sabah.

MMEA Sabah and Labuan director First Admiral Mohd Zubil Mat Som said the KM Arau, which is 87 metres long, was the second vessel donated by Japan, after KM Pekan, which is based in Kuantan, became operational on April 2.

Zubil was quoted by the New Sabah Times as saying that the KM Arau was the biggest boat used by Sabah MMEA and that it would play a big role in increasing the MMEA’s operational capability in Sabah waters, especially in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).

“This vessel will be assigned to the east coast as it has an operational endurance of 21 days without having to refuel and restock.

“Before it starts operating in Sabah, the KM Arau will journey to Port Klang on Friday for its launch ceremony,” he was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, KM Arau commanding officer Maritime Captain Saiful Lizan Ibrahim said he and 24 crew members set out from Enoshima, Japan, on May 31 before arriving in Sabah a week later.

The Malaysian crew arrived in Japan on May 16 and underwent familiarisation, equipment and engine operating training for two weeks. -FMT