Patrol vessel must be completed by March, says Saifuddin

 

The government has provided a loan of RM152.6 million to ensure that the first offshore patrol vessel project is completed on time, says Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

PULAU INDAH: The home ministry will ensure that the construction of the first Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV 1) project, under the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), is completed by March this year as stipulated in the original commitment.

Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said he and his deputy, Shamsul Anuar Nasarah will closely monitor the progress of the project, to ensure that the construction of the vessel is completed within the stipulated time.

“However, to be honest, I think they still need some time (to complete the vessel) after the March deadline. But hopefully, not for long.

“I have clearly expressed the government’s position that the handover date should not be changed or extended for a long period because we cannot compromise on this,” he told reporters, after inspecting the construction of the OPV 1 vessel here today.

It was previously reported that the government had provided a loan of RM152.6 million to ensure that MMEA’s OPV 1 project would be completed this year and that the project had now been taken over by the finance ministry.

Saifuddin said the additional funds were meant to help complete the project within the stipulated time.

“All major components have been (installed), and an escort boat will arrive. Everything is stalled because of the payment. But with the new injection of funds, I hope it will no longer be a problem,” he said.

Meanwhile, Saifuddin said that the construction of the OPV 2 vessel is expected to be completed in October. - FMT