KUALA LUMPUR — Construction of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency’s (MMEA) Multi-Purpose Mission Ship 1 (MPMS 1) is progressing smoothly and ahead of schedule, with the vessel expected to begin its voyage home in late January next year.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that upon completion and handover, MPMS 1 would make history as the largest vessel in the MMEA fleet.

He said the acquisition of the strategic asset would enhance the capabilities of MMEA personnel in carrying out various maritime operations, from enforcement and surveillance of the country’s waters to search and rescue (SAR) operations.

“I am in Istanbul, Türkiye today to witness the launch of MPMS 1, the MMEA’s new vessel being built at Desan Shipyard.

“After going through several stages of planning and construction, we can see that MPMS 1 is now closer to becoming part of MMEA’s assets. Its construction is progressing well and ahead of schedule, which is certainly a positive development,” he said in a post on his official Facebook page yesterday.

Saifuddin Nasution earlier officiated the launch of the vessel at Desan Shipyard in Istanbul, which was witnessed by Türkiye’s Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci, Türkiye’s Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir, Turkish Navy Commander Admiral Ercument Tatlioglu and Desan Shipyard representative Cenk Ismail Kaptanoglu.