KUALA LUMPUR: The procurement of four medium-lift helicopters for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) will enhance the capabilities of the agency in performing its duties.
MMEA acting director-general Maritime Rear Admiral Datuk Saiful Lizan Ibrahim said the acquisition of Leonardo AW189 helicopters would enhance aerial surveillance, besides allowing search-and-rescue (SAR) operations to be conducted at longer distances and durations.
"The helicopters, worth nearly RM530 million in total, are built by Leonardo Helicopters. They were chosen because they have a main transmission capability to operate without refuelling for 50 minutes with an auxiliary power unit.
"The AW189 also has become the most successful super-medium helicopter in the world in terms of market size, number of controllers, and ability to perform various tasks like SAR, disaster relief, firefighting, law enforcement and force support."
He added that the addition of the four helicopters would give the agency a total of 10 aircraft at their disposal.
"Currently the agency owns six aircraft consisting of two AW139 helicopters, three AS365 N3 Dauphin helicopters, and one Bombardier CL-415 MP aircraft,"
He added that the MMEA expects the helicopters to be fully completed and handed over to the agency around 2025 or 2026, and they would be deployed in Sabah.
The deals were among the RM2.1 billion inked during the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and the National Security Asia (Natsec) 2024 exhibitions.
The contracts were signed by the Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ruji Ubi together with representatives of local companies.
It was witnessed by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, his deputy Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah and Home Ministry deputy secretary-general (Management) Dr Abdul Gapar Abu Bakar and National Registration Department director-general Badrul Hisham Alias.
Saifuddin said the signing ceremony of these contracts is also symbolic of the government's efforts to ensure the security of the nation from all threats by prioritising the acquisition of strategic assets.