THE Malaysia Coast Guard’s (Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency)(MCG/MMEA) first Multi Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS) was launched at Desan Shipyard’s Istanbul shipyard. Its launch was witnessed by Malaysia’s Minister of Home Affairs Saifuddin Nasution together with his Turkiye counterpart Mustafa Ciftci, Turkiye’s Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacir, Turkish Naval Forces Commander Ercument Tatlioglu, MCG Vice Admiral Saiful Lizan Ibrahim and other senior officials from both nations.
According to the Malaysian Home Ministry, the vessel will be ready for its journey back to Malaysia by the end of January 2027. Desan was awarded a US$68.8 million contract for 1 MPMS by the MCG in 2025, with the acquisition being a strategic step in strengthening security of Malaysian waters besides reflecting the close relationship between Malaysia and Turkiye. Earlier this year in April, Desan was awarded another contract a second MPMS valued at US$83.75M. The second MPMS is expected to be completed in early 2028, with its keel being laid before June ended.
The 99-metre-long vessels are designed as “mother ships” for extended deployment periods of up to 30 days, with helicopter landing facilities, increased crew capacity and improved endurance at sea. It carries a crew of 70 and embark around 30 more personnel in addition to fast interceptor craft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Once in service, the two MPMS will be the largest vessels in MCG service, serving a wide range of roles including patrol, surveillance, enforcement, prevention and search and rescue (SAR) as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations. Moreover, they will also assist in mapping high-risk areas prone to smuggling and maritime crime.–-shp/adj/dl (Pix:MHA)
