KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is evaluating a proposal to receive the ex-USCGC VALIANT from the United States (US), which has the potential to strengthen the capabilities of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) assets in meeting the needs of enforcement operations and security in the country’s waters.
MMEA said the proposal was among the key matters discussed by Home Ministry (KDN) secretary-general Datuk Dr Awang Alik Jeman with United States Coast Guard (USCG) Commandant Admiral Kevin E. Lunday during his working visit to USCG headquarters in Washington, DC.
The visit, at the invitation of the US government, was also attended by MMEA director-general Maritime Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah, along with a delegation from the Home Ministry and MMEA.
“The discussions focused on aspects of suitability, operational requirements and the strategic benefits that could be gained through the proposal in strengthening the capabilities of MMEA's assets,” according to a post on MMEA’s Facebook page yesterday.
During the meeting, Awang reaffirmed the Home Ministry’s commitment to continue supporting efforts to enhance MMEA’s capabilities through strategic cooperation that can enhance operational readiness, thereby strengthening the security and sovereignty of the Malaysian Maritime Zone.
MMEA said Mohd Rosli, meanwhile, expressed his appreciation to the USCG for the long-standing cooperative relationship, particularly in human capital development, professional training, technical expertise sharing and enhancing operational capabilities, which have benefited both organisations.
As part of the evaluation process, the Malaysian delegation also conducted a technical visit to the USGC Surface Acquisition Logistics Center (SALC) in Baltimore to inspect the physical condition of the ex-USCGC VALIANT as part of the technical assessment and consideration of the proposed transfer of the asset.
According to the post, the working visit reflected the continued commitment of Malaysia and the US to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding strategic cooperation in maritime security, capacity building and maritime law enforcement.
“This close relationship is expected to continue contributing to efforts to strengthen the capabilities of the MMEA in ensuring that the security, peace and sovereignty of the country’s waters remain protected,” it added.
In a separate post, MMEA said the Malaysian delegation was given a comprehensive briefing on the status and operational capabilities of the ex-USCGC VALIANT, encompassing its propulsion and main machinery systems, generators, navigation and communication systems, weapons systems, spare parts, as well as various related technical and logistical aspects.
Among the aspects assessed was the vessel’s suitability for meeting MMEA’s operational requirements in carrying out law enforcement, maritime security, and search-and-rescue operations.
“The visit also provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on operational aspects, maintenance and technical support, thus strengthening the long-standing strategic cooperation between the MMEA and the USCG,” he added.
MMEA said the evaluation reflected the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the capabilities of its maritime assets, thereby improving operational readiness to ensure the country’s maritime security, sovereignty and interests remain protected.
-- BERNAMA