MMEA receives its first OPV after 3-year delay

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) finally received one of the three off-shore patrol vessels (OPV) the government ordered for them, three years after its initial delivery schedule.

In a statement, the Home Ministry said the vessel was officially handed over to the coast guard in a ceremony held at Pulau Indah, Klang yesterday.

“The first OPV, or OPV1, has been officially delivered by TH Heavy Engineering Bhd (THHE) to the Home Ministry in a ceremony held on the vessel today (yesterday).

“During the ceremony, Home Ministry secretary-general Ruji Ubi was present to accept OPV1 from the company before handing it over to MMEA, which will use it for their enforcement duties and search and rescue operations,” the statement said.

According to the ministry, OPV1 is capable of carrying out operations at sea for 21 days before resupplying and can carry up to 70 personnel onboard.

It is equipped with a UAV, a 30mm Smash Aselsan cannon, two rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB), and a fast interceptor craft, among others.

The OPV has also undergone several seaworthiness trials at the Straits of Malacca, including during a recent official MMEA exercise.

“It is hoped that OPV1 can help strengthen MMEA operations in enforcing the country’s maritime law and ensure that our maritime zone is safe and secure,” the ministry added.

Covid caused delay

In 2017, THHE Destini Sdn Bhd announced that it had secured a contract worth RM738 million to construct three OPVs in “three-and-a-half years”.  

However, on Sept 13, 2022, then MMEA director-general Zubil Mat Som in a statement said that the three OPVs were still under construction, with the first vessel only expected to be handed over in 2023.

Following this, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) announced that it would investigate the procurement of the three OPVs.

Bernama previously cited Ruji as saying during the handover ceremony that the delays were due to the Covid-19 pandemic. - Mkini