PORT KLANG: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is expected to receive two more Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) within the next two years.

       Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said an additional allocation of RM200mil is needed for the project.

       "We have already requested the funds after checking the original allocation.

       “The government injected RM153mil for the completion of MMEA’s first OPV, the KM Tun Fatimah," he said.

       He added that one of the OPVs was nearly 75% complete, while the other vessel was at 50% completion.

       "Although the vessels are behind schedule, the ministry wants to see the two vessels completed.

       "We estimate that an additional allocation of RM200mil is needed," he told reporters on board the KM Tun Fatimah on Monday (April 1).

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       "The Cabinet also agreed that the Home Ministry can employ any necessary method or strategy for the end game to acquire the remaining OPVs," he said.

       He added that the MMEA would also embark on improving asset capability, and that a budget of RM280mil had been approved to build a mothership.

       “Four helicopters worth RM600mil will complement the existing nine helicopters in the MMEA fleet.

       “These assets will take around 18 months to be delivered,” he said, adding that the MMEA would also receive two new generation patrol craft (NGPC), two special interceptor boats, and five rigid hull fender boats (RGFB).

       He said they would also acquire an OPV from the US Coast Guard at the end of 2024.