New NGPC for Malaysia Coast Guard

PELABUHAN KLANG (July 6): The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) today receives two new generation patrol craft (NGPC) to strengthen the agency's surveillance activities in the Malaysian Maritime Zone (MMZ).

Minister of Home Affairs Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said the two NGPC, namely, Maritime Ship or ‘Kapal Maritime’ (KM) Kota Kinabalu would be located in Kuching, Sarawak while KM Tok Bali in Tok Bali, Kelantan.

Hamzah said both vessels would focus on combating encroachments by foreign fishing boats in the national territorial waters, especially in the South China Sea.

"The encroachment of foreign fishing boats is a critical threat to the national fisheries industry. It not only robs the nation of revenue from marine resources but also undermines local fishermen's income.

"It also harms the marine bio-diversity eco-system in the country's waters," he told a news conference after seeing the handover of the two NGPC from Destination Marine Services Sdn Bhd, the local company that built the assets for MMEA here today.

Commenting on the characteristics of the NGPC, Hamzah said it is capable of cruising at 24 knots and operating for ten days at sea without re-supplying to carry out enforcement and search and rescue duties.

In addition, the NGPC also has several features including a 30 mm Aselsan cannon from Turkey, Long Range Surveillance Camera for day and night photography and an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), a drone capable of conducting long-range air monitoring, as well as being able to comprehensively control oil spills.

Hamzah said KM Kota Kinabalu and KM Tok Bali were among five of the six NGPC costing RM400 million which had been received by MMEA and the final asset of the same type was still under construction.

At the same time, he said MMEA was also expected to receive three Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), namely, one this year and the rest next year to spruce up surveillance activities in the national waters by the agency.

OPV is capable of carrying out operations at sea for up to 21 days without re-supplying and is capable of carrying out long-range surveillance up to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) areas and out of reach of smaller ships.

The asset, which is capable of carrying a crew of 70 with 20 passengers at a time, has a speed of 21 knots and is equipped with UAV, helicopter landing site, Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB), 30 mm Smash Aselsan cannon, fast interceptor craft, treatment room and lock up.

In addition, Hamzah said his ministry was also working to acquire a Multi Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS) or a mother ship equipped with high-tech equipment capable of carrying six units of fast interceptor craft and UAV.

"With this kind of asset capabilities, I am confident in the near future MMEA will be on par with international maritime agencies.

"As the leading agency in protecting the country's waters, MMEA will be strengthened from time to time with the acquisition of new assets equipped with various high-tech facilities," he said.

PELABUHAN KLANG: One of two new generation patrol craft (NGPC) received by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) today will be located in Kuching, Sarawak.

Minister of Home Affairs Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, who told that the vessels were for strengthening the agency’s surveillance activities in the Malaysian Maritime Zone (MMZ), said the one for Kuching was ‘Kapal Maritime’ (KM) Kota Kinabalu while KM Tok Bali will be located in Tok Bali, Kelantan.

Hamzah said both vessels would focus on combating encroachments by foreign fishing boats in the national territorial waters, especially in the South China Sea.

“The encroachment of foreign fishing boats is a critical threat to the national fisheries industry. It not only robs the nation of revenue from marine resources but also undermines local fishermen’s income.

“It also harms the marine bio-diversity eco-system in the country’s waters,” he told a news conference after seeing the handover of the two NGPC from Destination Marine Services Sdn Bhd, the local company that built the assets for MMEA, here, today.

Commenting on the characteristics of the NGPC, Hamzah said it is capable of cruising at 24 knots and operating for ten days at sea without re-supplying to carry out enforcement and search and rescue duties.

In addition, the NGPC also has several features including a 30 mm Aselsan cannon from Turkey, Long Range Surveillance Camera for day and night photography and an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), a drone capable of conducting long-range air monitoring, as well as being able to comprehensively control oil spills.

Hamzah said KM Kota Kinabalu and KM Tok Bali were among five of the six NGPC costing RM400 million which had been received by MMEA and the final asset of the same type was still under construction.

At the same time, he said MMEA was also expected to receive three Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), namely, one this year and the rest next year to spruce up surveillance activities in the national waters by the agency.

OPV is capable of carrying out operations at sea for up to 21 days without re-supplying and is capable of carrying out long-range surveillance up to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) areas and out of reach of smaller ships.

The asset, which is capable of carrying a crew of 70 with 20 passengers at a time, has a speed of 21 knots and is equipped with UAV, helicopter landing site, Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB), 30 mm Smash Aselsan cannon, fast interceptor craft, treatment room and lock up.

In addition, Hamzah said his ministry was also working to acquire a Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS) or a mother ship equipped with high-tech equipment capable of carrying six units of fast interceptor craft and UAV.

“With this kind of asset capabilities, I am confident in the near future MMEA will be on par with international maritime agencies.

“As the leading agency in protecting the country’s waters, MMEA will be strengthened from time to time with the acquisition of new assets equipped with various high-tech facilities,” he said. – Bernama

APMM Terima 2 Kapal NGPC

Malaysia pada Isnin menerima dua buah lagi Kapal Ronda Generasi Baharu-NGPC dalam usaha mempertingkatkan kekuatan armadanya di Laut Cina Selatan, bagi mengawal perairan di Kelantan dan Sarawak, yang merupakan sebahagian daripada pakej bernilai RM400 juta untuk kesemua enam kapal baru yang ditempah daripada syarikat tempatan, demikian menurut pegawai kanan kerajaan.

Menteri Dalam Negeri Hamzah Zainuddin berkata, kedua-dua kapal ronda generasi baharu yang dinamakan KM Kota Kinabalu dan KM Tok Bali milik Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia (APMM) itu adalah untuk memperkasakan tugasan penguatkuasaan membanteras pencerobohan nelayan asing di perairan Zon Maritim Malaysia.

“KM Kota Kinabalu akan ditempatkan di Kuching, Sarawak manakala KM Tok Bali pula akan ditempatkan di Tok Bali, Kelantan. Penempatan kedua-dua kapal ini adalah lebih tertumpu kepada pembenteras pencerobohan bot asing di perairan negara, khususnya di Laut China Selatan,” tambah Hamzah.

Katanya, kedua-dua buah kapal berukuran 45 meter panjang dan 7.7 meter lebar itu berupaya belayar dengan kelajuan sehingga 24 knot, serta memiliki kemampuan menjalankan tugasan penguatkuasaan tanpa perlu pulang untuk menambah bekalan selama 10 hari.

Beliau yang menyaksikan majlis serah-terima kapal berkenaan antara Destination Marine Service Sdn Bhd, syarikat pembuat tempatan dengan APMM di Pelabuhan Klang pada Isnin berkata kedua kapal tersebut adalah sebahagian daripada enam NGPC yang dibeli kerajaan bagi agensi penguatkuasaan maritim dengan kos keseluruhannya RM381 juta untuk menggantikan kapal rondaan sedia ada yang usang dan telah lama digunakan.

“Kesemua enam kapal NGPC yang ditempah dilengkapi sistem persenjataan dan pemantauan terkini, termasuk Meriam 30mm Aselsan, serta kamera pemantauan jarak jauh dan kebolehan mengambil gambar pada waktu malam dengan turut dilengkapi pesawat tanpa pemandu (UAV) yang berupaya melakukan pemantauan dari udara dengan jarak yang jauh, radar permukaan dan radar sonar, bot Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) kelengkapan untuk menangani insiden tumpahan minyak, dan boleh dioperasikan 27 anggota,

“Kapal pertama diterima pada 2017, tiga lagi NGPC telah diterima dan ditempatkan di Klang, Selangor (KM Bagan Datuk); Kuching, Sarawak (KM Sri Aman); dan Sandakan, Sabah (KM Kota Belud), manakala kapal ke-enam masih di dalam proses pembinaan,” tambah Menteri itu lagi.

Katanya, Kementerian Dalam Negeri amat serius dalam perlakuan jenayah di Zon Maritim Malaysia dan keperluan mengupayakan APMM adalah tepat pada masanya berikutan keanggotaannya dalam National Task Force yang bekerjasama dengan Anggota Tentera Malaysia dan Polis Diraja Malaysia mengekang kemasukan Pendatang Tanpa Izin,

APMM mula beroperasi pada November 2005 dan berkuatkuasa di bawah Akta APMM yang diwartakan pada 1 Julai 2004 dan menjalankan kawalan pemantauan penguatkuasaan Zon Maritim Malaysia yang bersaiz 614,000 kilometer persegi dengan peringkat awal operasi, banyak bergantung kepada kapal-kapal lama milik Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia dan Polis Marin.

Berdasarkan maklumat daripada laporan tempatan, APMM memiliki kira-kira 256 aset sedia ada, antaranya kapal, bot, helikopter dan pesawat amfibia termasuk kapal lama yang diberikan oleh agensi-agensi lain.

Jumlah keseluruhan dan kedudukan aset-aset APMM yang terkini tidak diketahui dengan cubaan BeritaBenar untuk mendapatkannya bagaimanapun tidak mendapat maklumbalas daripada agensi tersebut.

Sementara itu, Pakar Keselamatan Kapten Bersara Abdul Rahmat Omar Tun Mohd Haniff pula berkata selain NGPC, APMM masih mengoperasikan sebanyak dua buah bot ex-Bay class milik Kastam Australia dan 14 buah bot peronda laju ex-PZ class yang dahulunya dimiliki oleh Polis Diraja Malaysia.

"Kapal ronda luar pesisir pantai atau Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) yang lebih besar diperlukan untuk menangani pencerobohan aset China Coast Guard di dalam EEZ kerana kebolehannya untuk berada di lautan luas untuk jangkamasa yang lebih lama. Buat masa ini APMM mempunyai empat buah OPV dan dijangka menerima tiga buah lagi bermula penghujung tahun ini."

Tingkat keselamatan maritim

Sementara itu, Abdul Rahmat Omar berkata penerimaan dua buah NGPC itu dijangka akan mampu meningkatkan lagi kebolehan keselamatan maritim negara.

Tambahnya, penggunaan dron juga akan membantu kapal ronda dalam menangkap penjenayah ketika melakukan kesalahan sebelum kapal dapat menghampiri dan video yang ditangkap oleh dron mampu digunakan sebagai bahan bukti di mahkamah bagi membantu kes.

"Kapal baru juga sudah tentunya akan menjimatkan lagi perbelanjaan negara. Selama ini APMM telah beroperasi dengan menggunakan kapal yang diwarisi daripada agensi lain dan berusia lebih daripada 20 tahun.

"Sesetengah aset mereka juga telah mencecah usia hampir 60 tahun. Kos untuk menjaga aset lama ini adalah amat tinggi sekali," kata Rahmat lagi.

Seorang lagi penganalisis keselamatan dari Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Ramli Dollah turut memberikan komen optimistik berkenaan perolehan kapal baru oleh APMM.

Menurut beliau, ia adalah selari dengan keperluan dan masalah keselamatan yang semakin kompleks di Laut Cina Selatan, termasuk menangani isu penyeludupan serta operasi mencari dan menyelamat di lautan.

"Di satu sisi lain, pemilikan ini memberi imej baik kepada negara kerana ia menunjukkan langkah bersungguh-sungguh negara dalam keadaan ekonomi yang tidak menentu ini masih memberikan perhatian kepada isu keselamatan dan kedaulatan negara," kata beliau.

Akan tetapi, ketika ditanya mengenai keupayaan baru itu samada ia mampu untuk digunakan apabila berhadapan dengan ancaman kapal dari negara China yang banyak menceroboh masuk ke perairan negara, Ramli menyatakan bahawa ia masih belum mempunyai kebolehan seumpama itu.

"Malaysia masih tidak mampu berhadapan dengan ancaman China di Laut Cina Selatan. Walaupun dilengkapi dengan meriam, namun kapal-kapal ini lebih sesuai berhadapan dengan ancaman bukan tradisional termasuk juga operasi mencari menyelamat,” kata Ramli.

LIMA 2019 News : Malaysian maritime enforcement a fragmented affair; needs more coordination

Maritime Industry

By LESLIE ANDRES

March 27, 2019 @ 11:38am

LANGKAWI: Enforcing the various maritime laws in Malaysia is a fragmented affair, cutting across more than 10 ministries and 31 maritime-related agencies, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said the government recognises the need for an ocean governance regime for Malaysia, with an overarching policy encompassing all maritime aspects from security to safety, to economy and the environment.

If Malaysia continued to manage its seas in fragments, he said, the overlapping of jurisdictions and conflicts of interests between the sectors will never be resolved.

"Malaysia is indeed blessed with all the attributes of a maritime nation. Our strategic location positions us at the focal point on the map of maritime trade where 90 per cent of trade is via shipping. We have beautiful coastlines and islands and they bring millions of tourists to our shores.

"Our seas are home to bountiful natural resources that provide livelihood to fishermen while big players in the fishing and aquaculture industries have been making handsome economic gains. Our ocean is also host to thriving oil and gas explorations and industries.

"And there are still numerous natural resources, seabed minerals which have yet to be explored. They, too, promise our nation wealthy returns.

"Malaysia’s dependency on the ocean can never be understated and it is naturally so, given that it is surrounded by seas and its maritime space is virtually two times bigger than our land area. This dependency extends to almost all sectors particularly in food, trade, energy, transportation, tourism and security.

"With such a vast sea area, which offers a diverse range of living and non-living resources, and being strategically located at the centre of important shipping lanes, the waters surrounding us carry tremendous environmental, socio-economic and strategic value to the nation," he said.

Dr Mahathir said this in his keynote address when launching the National Maritime Conference (NMC) being held in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition (Lima) 2019. The theme of the conference is "Malaysia a Maritime Nation: Charting the Passage".

Dr Mahathir said the maritime sector was a crucial contributor to the country’s socio-economic wealth and security and this would become even more significant as Malaysia aspires to become a fully developed nation.

However, he warned that a balanced, strategic and proper exploitation of the relevant maritime resources must be conducted and managed in a sustainable manner.

"In our race to become a developed nation, our readily available natural resources must be consolidated and optimised. As demanded by the principle of Sustainable Development which we subscribe to, there shouldn’t be any unscrupulous exploitation of the country's marine natural resources for the sake of economic growth per se,” he said.

He added that the guiding principle of sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

“Thus, when it comes to exploiting and optimising the use of our seas and marine resources, we must always pay very serious consideration on the conservation aspects of our marine environment.

"Unfortunately, apart from having to balance economic development and conservation of our marine environment, our marine ecosystem and biodiversity are also being threatened by other factors like climate change and global warming, apart from food, water and energy security issues.

"Therefore, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, the government is keen on the principles of the Blue Economy, where sustainable economic growth should always be in line with maintaining the ocean’s health," said Dr Mahathir.

To overcome threats to the nation's maritime resources and security, Dr Mahathir said a well-coordinated effort cutting across all government sectors was needed.

"Enforcement activities can only be effective when there is sound Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capability. Several agencies have in fact been equipped with a range of ISR capabilities, which should be shared through proper coordination with other enforcement agencies to further strengthen enforcement at sea.

"Since the present government took office in May last year, it has been our priority to enhance integrity, and minimise leakage and wastage. The government coffers had been drained excessively, leaving the country in huge debts.

"The global economic downturn has only made it worse, making wise and prudent spending the only option. Government expenses must be cut down in order to survive and reduce our debts. We will, without doubt, be prudent in spending, especially on new assets and capabilities.

"It is high time for all maritime-related agencies to collaborate and consolidate necessary work processes. This effort can be achieved through greater understanding, trust and open communication.

"Overlapping jurisdictions must be immediately addressed to overcome wastage of government resources. Coordinated and integrated approach should be the answer to strengthen maritime enforcement."

MMEA's role in coordinating air surveillance can boost security of Malaysian waters

By Hidir Reduan

November 24, 2017 @ 2:45pm

KUANTAN: The appointment of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) as the leading agency for coordination of air surveillance activities over the country's waters would boost safeguarding of the east coast waters from foreign fishermen.

MMEA Eastern Region commander Zulkarnain Mohd Omar said that deployment of air assets for aerial surveillance would strengthen existing patrols with sea vessels, which take more time to cover large areas of water.

We would not only be able to deploy aircraft to the sea (areas in the east coast) for more rapid enforcement action but also for search and rescue (SAR) operations there.

"Enforcement action against fishing boats from Vietnam (conducting illegal fishing in the waters off Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang) would be more effective due to the availability of air assets.

"Due to the large areas of water (in the east coast), patrols with ships would require more time to cover the areas.

"With aircraft, patrols can cover hundreds of kilometres of area quicker and faster," he said, adding that MMEA's new role would beef up joint cooperation between related agencies like the Fisheries Department, among others.

Zulkarnain said the agency's patrol aircraft would fly from its airbase in Subang and head to the east coast waters.

"It is vital to maintain the security and sovereignty of the east coast areas from encroachment, especially from foreign fishermen that time and again were caught in these waters.

"Enforcement action against them would be made easier with air surveillance," he said.

He said the need for more effective coordinated air surveillance in lieu of constant encroachment incidents such as seen in the detention of two Vietnamese fishing vessels, that were using trawling nets, in waters off Nenasi, Pekan, on Nov 21.

On that day at 10.25am, a patrol team from the Pahang Fisheries Department's Resources Protection Unit nabbed the two boats, with their crew of 22 Vietnamese nationals, at 29 nautical miles from Sungai Miang, Pekan.

Yesterday after chairing the High Level Committee (HLC) meeting on the use of government air assets, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said MMEA's appointment was based on its responsibilities under the MMEA Act 2004.

He said that there was a need to coordinate related enforcement agencies to ensure the effectiveness of airspace surveillance in the country's waters.

MMEA's first ship woman commanding officer

By Raja Norain Hidayah Raja Abdul Aziz - February 15, 2018 @ 5:28pm

KUANTAN: Maritime Lieutenant Aida Arzahari created history today when she was appointed as the first women to command a Malaysian Martime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) ship.

The 35-year-old was appointed as MMEA’s KM Nyalau’s Commanding Officer and will be based in Lumut, Perak.

Dedicating her success to her mother Hamiah Zain, 57, the eldest of three siblings said she continued her father's legacy in serving with the Malaysian security forces.

My father was a personnel with the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and I was quite close with him. As the eldest my mother wanted me to follow in my late father’s footsteps.

“I had dreamt of being called a commanding officer, but never expected it to happen so fast,” she said.

She was speaking to reporters after receiving her letter of appointment from Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim at the 13th Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency's, Enforcement Day and Passing Out Parade at the Sultan Ahmad Shah Maritime Academy (AMSAS), here today.

Aida adds that her success was also backed by the constant support she received from her mother who had encouraged to join MMEA.

“My mother was the one who challenged me to join MMEA and wanted me to do my best,” she said.

The Perlis born lass said the advice of her late father Arzahari Sudin to take care of the family was also her driving force, when she was on the verge of giving up during training.

“I recalled my mother’s challenge and the advice from my late father, whenever I wanted to give up during training, “she said.

Her father died from a heart attack at the age of 49 on Jan 13, 2007

The accountancy graduate from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) had previously worked in a ship building firm.

“I would like to record my appreciation to my five senior officers who had faith in my ability and encouraged me to be successful,” she added.

Aida joined MMEA on April 23, 2012 and had previously served in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

“I hope my success will inspire other women to come to the forefront and achieve success even in a field dominated by men.

“Show that women also have the ability safeguard the country’s peace

Meanwhile, Hamiah said Aida had inherited her late husband’s personal trait including his strictness, responsibility and ensuring all tasks are implemented properly.

RMN - Malaysia Maritime Leader LIMA2019

RMN Hydrographic Centre 

 Malaysian Vessels At LIMA 2019

LIMA '19, held from the 26th to 30th March, features over 20 vessels from the fleets of Royal Malaysian Navy, Coast Guard and Police.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1110152697997455360

Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (Coast Guard)

 Royal Malaysian Police – Marine Operations Force

Malaysia on right track via Lima series

By Adrian David - March 25, 2019 @ 7:21pm

LANGKAWI: Malaysia is on the right track to attract more quality investment and develop the local supply chain.

Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu said the biennial Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (Lima) 2019 exhibition was one such avenue to spur the growth of the industries.

"Lima is useful for us to expand our network, prioritise, rebalance and strategise efforts to further strengthen the industry. What we want to focus on now can be something constructive.

"But whether this is achievable depends on whether the stakeholders and the industries will come forward," he said at a high-tea reception for the media at Resorts World Langkawi.

Mohamad said that a total of 119,200 sq m was occupied at the main venue at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre at Padang Matsirat - hosting the aerospace segment, especially the aerial aircraft displays.

Additional exhibition space, to a lesser extent, was taken up at the Resorts World Langkawi for the maritime segment, including the fleet review of naval war ships at the Star Cruise jetty.

"At the end of the exhibition, an estimated 40,000 trade visitors, and countless public members, will have walked through the halls.

"This is testament of Lima's ability to generate not just business but wider public interest to these dynamic industries," said Mohamad.

Tomorrow, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is scheduled to open the 15th edition of Lima 2019 at MIEC.

Mohamad said Lima continued to be recognised as among the most leading and successful international aerospace and maritime shows.

"Hence, we have been able to elevate Lima into one of the most anticipated events in one's calendar, all made possible through the continous support and commitment from industry players and its related sectors," he said.

Mohamad added that through the various ministries and agencies, Lima had been pushed to break free from the 'defence only' event to a more distinct platform for industries to thrive on.

Malaysia's MINDEF to Purchase Of Airbus C295 ?

SINGAPORE -- There is no hint as yet from Malaysia’s Defence Ministry (Mindef) on the possible purchase of the Airbus C295 maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).

The aircraft was displayed in Malaysia in July last year and three months after its two-week tour of Asia, Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein announced that the armed forces would receive more than 20 new assets under the Budget 2018.

The Minister also said under the Asset, Safety and Training Preparedness Agenda, among others, the air force would get four units of maritime coast guard planes to monitor the South China Sea and Malacca Straits coastlines.

Airbus’ Head of Intelligence, Reconnaissance and Surveillance (ISR) and Tactical Aircraft, Fernando Ciria said the C295’s reliable long time on station in combination with its Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS), make it the perfect platform for Malaysia’s maritime patrol missions.

"The C295 has solutions that can be tailored to Malaysia’s maritime needs,” he told a roundtable session with selected Malaysian media on the sidelines of recent Singapore Airshow 2018.

He indicated that Airbus welcomed an opportunity to show the Malaysian government, in a tender, that the MPA is the best option to meet the country's requirements.

He described the C295 as a high versatility aircraft with many variants and multiple missions.

“Most of the different variants can easily be re-configured to a transport version and back, due to the palletised modular mission systems,” he said.

Malaysia together with the Philippines and Indonesia launched the Trilateral Air Patrol in October last year, on growing concerns over Islamic State in the region.

The joint air patrols complete the trilateral military collaboration in the Sulu Sea following the launch of the Trilateral Maritime Patrols six month earlier.

The air forces of Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand are currently using the C295, a new generation tactical airlifter.

Malaysia currently employs Beechcraft King Air B200Ts for maritime patrols, as well as CN235 and C-130 Hercules transports.

According to industry observers, to reflect the RMAF’s preference for new aircraft, Malaysia may consider the Bombardier Q400, Airbus C295 or ATR 72.

However, the observers said secondhand Lockheed Martin P-3C Orions from Japan could be an alternative as the Japan Air Self-Defense Force is replacing it with the Kawasaki Heavy Industries P-1.

In tabling the Budget 2018, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced an allocation of RM14 billion for Mindef, a billion off from the previous budget.

Airbus has so far delivered 165 of the C295, also a twin-turboprop tactical military transport aircraft that can fly up to 11 hours.

At a cost of about US$28 million per unit, total orders of the C295 currently stand at 206.

-- BERNAMA

MMEA wants two 'motherships', UAVs to combat illegal fishing by foreigners: WHY?

By HIDIR REDUAN

October 20, 2017 @ 2:31pm

NST 

 Having two ‘motherships’ would help the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) win court cases against foreign fishermen it detains as these ships can launch unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

MMEA director-general Admiral Datuk Zulkifili Abu Bakar said the UAVs can be launched on routine patrols to take photographic evidence of illegal trawling by foreign fishermen.

He noted that these foreign fishermen, who are mostly from Vietnam, tend to cut lose their trawling nets at the first sign of trouble.

“As a result, they (illegal fishermen) tend to be acquitted by the courts as there is insufficient evidence against them. With these motherships, the UAVs can use their onboard cameras to take pictures (of illegal fishing activities) as evidence.

“When the UAV encounters (illegal fishing activities in Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone or EEZ), the mothership can launch six smaller boats to the scene.

“Even if they (illegal fishermen) cut the nets, we have already got the evidence (to win court cases against them),” he said.

Zulkifili was speaking after a ceremony for the handing over of duties between outgoing MMEA Eastern Region commander First Admiral Datuk Mamu Said Alee and his successor First Admiral Zulkarnain Mohd Omar at the regional Region headquarters here today.

He said having motherships with UAVs and the smaller vessels would enable the agency to patrol 100 nautical miles in every direction.

He said this was important in light of the fact that MMEA had caught 102 foreign fishing boats from Vietnam encroaching in Malaysian waters between January and this month alone.

Zulkifili said having such motherships would boost MMEA’s holistic approach to tackling encroachment of the country’s EEZ by foreign fishermen as their activities cause huge losses to Malaysian fishermen, among others.

“For example, trawling by foreign fishing boats scrape the sea bottom and damage coral reefs, which are the natural habitats of fish and other marine life.

“It was reported that the Fisheries Department has estimated between RM3 billion and RM6 billion in losses annually (from illegal fishing activities).

“However, when ecosystem damage is taken into account, the losses suffered by the nation would be larger and possibly beyond repair,” he said.

In June, Zulkifili had said MMEA needs two vessels to act as motherships to augment security and surveillance of Malaysian waters.

He had said having motherships would greatly help MMEA in joint cooperation efforts with other enforcement agencies such as marine police and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) to safeguard Malaysian waters.

Recently, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had called on maritime enforcement agencies to protect the country’s EZZ from encroachment by foreign fishing vessels at all costs.

He said the encroachment by foreign vessels had caused the country to lose between RM3 billion and RM6 billion in revenue yearly.

Illegal foreign fishermen becoming ruthless, terrorising locals

By AVILA GERALDINE - October 22, 2017 @ 2:09pm NST

KOTA KINABALU: Foreign fishermen are becoming fearless as they continue to encroach into Malaysian waters and move closer to coastal areas to catch fish.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said the foreigners move in large groups of boats and are aggressive towards local fishermen.

"The situation is very serious, especially in West Malaysia. Fishermen in Terengganu, Kuantan and Pahang have complained.

"These foreign fishermen have moved very close to the beach. They have a mothership and more than 10 smaller boats.

"Our fishermen have to avoid them and fish in a different location as they (foreign fishermen) would do anything to prevent them from fishing in the area, including damaging the boats (of local fishermen) ," he told reporters during a press conference at the Sepanggar Navy base here today.

Shahidan said the foreign fishing vessels usually operate at night, adding that they usually wait along the maritime border until the sun sets before entering Malaysian waters.

However, he stressed that the government will not compromise with foreign fishermen who trespass into the country’s waters.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and other maritime security bodies are intensifying their operations to address the issue, said Shahida.

He said that according to MMEA statistics, the agency had stopped and inspected 27,223 foreign vessels operating in Malaysian waters this year.

"Thus far this year, the agency has seized 108 Vietnamese vessels and 25 Indonesian vessels. For the record, we have also taken stern action by disposing of and burning foreign boats after receiving court orders," he said.

Shahidan noted that the situation in Sabah is under control, adding that the state MMEA has seized 31 local vessels that were temporarily licensed as Vietnamese fishing boats by the Fisheries Department.

The vessels, with Vietnamese crewmembers, continued operating in the state’s waters even after their license expired last year.

"Among the offences committed are operating with expired license, fishing outside the permitted area, fishing using prohibited methods, and expired working permit," he said.

Terengganu MMEA detains 3 foreign fishing boats, seizes RM2.2m worth of catch

By Zarina Abdullah - October 1, 2017 @ 10:50pm NST

Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained three foreign fishing boats and seized RM2.2 million worth of catch in operations off Kuala Kemaman on Thursday and Saturday.

The vessels, believed to be from Vietnam, were intercepted while operating within Malaysia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Kemaman MMEA Base director Lt. Commander Maritime Muhamad Rezal Kamal Bashah said the first boat was spotted on Sept 28, about 40 nautical miles from Kuala Kemaman during patrols in the area.

Rezal said about 50kgs of sea cucumbers were seized from the vessel.

"The crews were found without valid documents and the boat's permit and licence were believed to be fake," he said today.

He said the second and third boats were stopped on Sept 30, between 6pm and 6.18pm about 48 nautical miles from Kuala Kemaman.

"Both vessels were fishing in the area and the checks showed it was carrying various types of fish weighing 1,000kgs and 20,000 litres of diesel fuel.

"25 crews including two 'tekong' did not posses valid travel documents. Further checks showed the boats did not have valid licence to fish and its registration numbers were also believed to be fake," he added.

Rezal said the crews, aged between 16 and 52, were referred to the State Immigration Department and the seized items were worth about RM2.2 million.

He said the boats were taken to the Kemaman MMEA Base for further investigation under the Fishery Act 1985.

Illegal foreign commercial fisherman resorting to fish bombing in Sabah waters

By AVILA GERALDINE - September 12, 2017 @ 1:25pm NST

KOTA KINABALU: Foreign fishermen in Sabah waters have been resorting to large scale fish bombing to haul in their ill gotten catches.

These foreign fisherman come in a large mother ship, with smaller boats in tow to carry out fish bombing operations and process them into products.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Pang Yuk Ming said the Ministry, via its Anti-Fish Bombing Committee, had identified two groups responsible for the illegal activity, adding that it is conducted in a big scale.

“They are the big timers and the Ministry is quite concerned with their activities. They have a mother ship and between six to eight small boats that will be deployed to bomb certain areas and collect the fishes in large quantity.

“The collected fishes are seldom sold to the market because the consumers are now smarter. Usually, the fishes are processed into products such as ‘ikan kering’ (dried fish).

“Certain people may not like to hear this but I’m going to be honest about it. These are the groups we need to take care of. We need the help of enforcement authorities to drive them away,” he told reporters at the Maritime Environmental Security Workshop 2017, here, today.

Pang, who is also the chairman of Anti-Fish Bombing Committee, refused to reveal locations where these foreign fisherman carry out their illegal activities. It is learnt that such groups had targeted waters off Kudat for their fish bombing activities.

“Based on information, they fish at our popular area. It is not (done) near the coastal area but in the open area. We are not sure how long they have been operating but they have been around for quite a while.

“They are not locals. We believe they are foreigners and that their vessels and boats are also registered outside (the country),” he said.

Speaking on the current level fish bombing activities in Sabah, Pang stressed the situation was quite rampant, adding most of the activities were done by small scale individuals.

“The Minister (Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun) has instructed us to take a holistic approach towards fish bombings.

“We need to give them option for better life and some of the things that we are looking at is (introducing them to) fish farming and tourism.

"The Minister is very concerned about it because he sees locals can participate more in tourism compared to what they are currently doing (fish bombing),” he said.

Pang also noted fish bombing activities by smaller groups at Pulau Mantanani off Kota Belud had dropped significantly since the World Wide Fund conducted continuous awareness programmes on the island for the past two years.

MMEA : Upgrading of Malaysia Coast Guard Capability

Malaysia Coast Guard their 10 years of establishment with the following  objectives

1. To ensure Malaysian Maritime Zone is safe and peaceful to maritime communities.
2. To minimize loss of lives and properties at sea based on a set standard.
3. To establish an effective and effecient search and rescue cooperation in the region.
4. To establish a conductive working environment that facilitates cooperation between the international maritime communities and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.

VISION

" TO BE AMONG THE BEST MARITIME LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN THE WORLD "

MISSION  

" TO ENFORCE LAWS, SAVING LIVES AND PROPERTIES AT SEA IN ORDER TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF MALAYSIAN MARITIME ZONE (MMZ)

and to perform the above task, they were given 20 years old ships from Royal Malaysia Navy, Fishery and Police Marine boat that by standard are closed to scrap metal. 

After 10 years fighting , 2015 MMEA saw some light, as they were approved by Government  to build six units of Coastal Patrol Vessels for RM381.30 million. The construction of the vessels will be done in stages; with the first vessel expected to be delivered to MMEA by December 2016 while the last vessel is expected to be delivered by June 2018. 

The Coastal Patrol Vessels are state of the art vessels with a comprehensive specification. The vessels can achieve a top speed of 24 knots and will have a complement of 41 crew members. The vessels will also be equipped with a 30mm weapon system and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for reconnaissance, designed by Fassmer Group, a very established shipyard from Germany to ensure that the vessels are delivered with excellent quality standards. 

The programme already in delay compare to the original project Planning. No proper project Management team from the date it's was launched and announce. 

Recently 1 x Captain in rank was appointed to be the Project Leader , he is known as very clean person and reputable person. Hopefully , this shipbuilding project will break a record as the only shipbuilding project in Malaysia deliver in time. 

Good luck Captain 

There were another 2  OPV ships will be build for mmea. 750m for 3 ships. So far the following company has done the presentation with their shipbuilder

 a. MSET 

b. XV Asia Technology 

c, Tenggara Nasa + Rolls Royce Skadi

d. Muhibbah Engineering

e. BAE System International

Few more company will propose their design or proposing selling ready made ship. There were parties claimed can deliver 3 ships , ready made for RM500.

So..shopping time MMEA. 

1st Boeing P - 81 Maritime Patrol Aircraft for India

SEATTLE, May 15, 2013 – The first Boeing [NYSE: BA] P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft arrived today, on schedule, at India Naval Station Rajali. The P-8I is one of eight aircraft Boeing is building for India as part of a contract awarded in 2009.   

“Boeing is proud to deliver this advanced aircraft to meet the Indian Navy’s unique maritime patrol requirements,” said Chris Chadwick, president of Boeing Military Aircraft. “The P-8I team, which includes our customer and Indian suppliers, has done a fantastic job working together, and we’re on track to deliver the next two P-8I aircraft later this year."

Based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737 commercial airplane, the P-8I is the Indian Navy variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing is developing for the U.S. Navy. The P-8I incorporates not only India-unique design features, but also India-built subsystems that are tailored to the country’s maritime patrol requirements.

DSA 2010 - 19-22 APRIL

Again this year i will be the visiting exhibitors as requested by my good friends from ATLAS @atlas elektronik GmBh , Dr Heino Dobiasch.
Unfortunately due to volcano dust from Iceland, Dr Dobiasch was unable to attend on time, but few days delayed.There are almost two-thirds of Europe's flights were canceled .(about 16,000 of Europe's usual 28,000 daily flights and the volcano was costing the industry at least $200 million a day).

Anyway, i met Mr WOLFGANG HEUER, to my surprise he was in MALAYSIA.

Few Pic for good old times.

More information and photos will be uploaded.