JAPAN GIFTS 3RD MMEA PATROL SHIP
KM ‘Arau’ will boost agency’s operations in Sabah
THE Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has added a newly-refurbished Japanese patrol ship, renamed KM Arau, into its inventory to strengthen the agency’s maritime operations in Sabah.
Labuan and Sabah MMEA director First Admiral Mohd Zubil Mat Som said KM Arau had a helipad, as well as a new radar and communication system.
He said the ship would be used for enforcement and search-and- rescue operations.
“This is MMEA’s largest vessel in Sabah. “It will be based here and it is ready to be deployed anytime, including in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone area, if neccesary.
“I am happy to note that since the establishment of MMEA, our cooperation with Japan remains strong and it has been supporting us in matters related to maritime security,” he said after inspecting the ship.
KM Arau is Japan’s third vessel gifted to MMEA, after KM Pekan and KM Malim. The 993-tonne and 87-metre long KM Arau arrived at the Sepanggar naval base here at 9.30am yesterday.
The ship, with 25 MMEA crew members, led by Captain Saiful Lizan Ibrahim and 13 Japanese crew members, began sailing from Inoshima, Japan, on May 31, passing through Okinawa, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Philippines.
Before that, MMEA officers had undergone a two-week familiarisation training programme in Japan.
Zubil said the ship would dock at the navy base for the time being before leaving for Port Klang tomorrow for an official launch ceremony.
Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail is expected to launch the ship, which is named after the capital of Perlis.
Saiful, who is KM Arau commanding officer, said throughout the voyage, the ship was able to weather stormy seas.
“The ship was originally built in 1989 with a speed of 19 knots. During the trip back, we were able to reach that speed.
“Although the ship is 28 years old, it has proven to function as good as a new vessel.
“We have replaced the Japanese radar and communication system.
“In future, we are looking at installing armaments on board,” he said.