KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 -- The first of two Multi-Purpose Mission Ships (MPMS) being built by Desan Shipyard in Turkiye for Malaysia is scheduled for delivery in February next year, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said.

He said the construction of the two vessels was another important step towards strengthening the capabilities of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), particularly in facing an increasingly complex maritime security environment.

“Turkiye is among Malaysia’s important partners in strengthening the country’s maritime capabilities,” he said in a Facebook post today after receiving a courtesy call from Turkish Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Nevzat Uyanik.

Given the country’s vast waters and increasingly complex challenges at sea, he said modern and highly capable assets are clearly a priority.

He expressed hope that the construction plans for both vessels would proceed smoothly and that they could be delivered as scheduled, thereby further strengthening MMEA’s readiness to safeguard the country’s waters.

Meanwhile, Saifuddin Nasution said he also received a courtesy call from Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata in a separate meeting at his office today.

He said discussions during the meeting covered Malaysia-Japan cooperation in maritime security, as well as the continued development of bilateral relations.

“Cooperation between MMEA and the Japan Coast Guard is not something new. Both agencies have participated in several joint exercises and operations, besides sharing their respective experiences and expertise,” he said.

He also welcomed the Japanese Government’s commitment to the cooperation, saying there was still considerable scope for both sides to work together, particularly in enhancing the country’s maritime enforcement capabilities and readiness.