PORT KLANG: The Home Ministry is seeking an additional RM200 million from the government to complete the remaining two Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency's (MMEA) Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV).
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said a request for the funds has been made after checking the original allocation and extra financial injection that that was to be provided.
"As we know, the government has injected RM153 million for the completion of MMEA's first OPV, KM 'Tun Fatimah'.
"However, the second and third OPVs have not been completed and the ministry is determined to do so. For that, the estimated additional allocation required is around RM200 million, which has received basic approval."
However, Saifuddin said,the application process must follow suit after its basic paperwork was accepted.
"It's not about receiving approval yet, but rather the process where we will proceed with the next steps. The third is towards preparing it and that the cabinet also agreed that the Home Ministry can adopt any necessary methods and strategies for the end-game to acquire OPV 2 and OPV 3, which are at 75 per cent and 50 per cent completion, respectively," he said today.
Saifuddin also said the MMEA would also embark on improving the capability of its assets with a budget for a mothership worth RM280 million.
"On top of that is the helicopter assets worth RM600 million that we have decided on last year, where it will complement the existing nine helicopters. This asset (the helicopters) would take around 18 months to be delivered," he said.
He also added that the MMEA would also receive two new New Generation Patrol Craft (NGPC), two special interceptor boats and five Rigid Hull Fenders Boat (RGFB).
"On top of that, the MMEA will also acquire an Offshore Patrol Vessel from the US Coast Guard slated for the end of this year," he said.