MMEA to Unveil New Assets At LIMA '17

PORT KLANG (Selangor), Feb 21 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) will unveil its two new vessels to the public at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2017 (LIMA '17). MMEA director-general Ahmad Puzi Ab Kahar said one was donated by the Japanese government. "One of these vessels, named KM Pekan, is an offshore patrol vessel which was donated by the Japanese government...the other which is being built will be launched in mid-March before joining the fleet parade at LIMA '17. "In addition to the two assets, we will also come up with other surprises at the exhibition, including demonstration of MMEA aircraft," he told reporters after launching the Malaysian Maritime Volunteer Reserve Team (PSSMM) for Selangor here Monday. Also present was Selangor MMEA director Capt (Maritime) Mohd Rosli Abdullah. Ahmad Puzi said the two vessels would further enhance the agency's operation capabilities in protecting Malaysia's territorial waters. Commenting on PSSMM, he said the reserve team was now joined by almost 1,000 volunteers nationwide since its inception. "To date, five PSSMM (teams) have been launched, namely in the states of Perlis, Sabah, Terengganu, Kelantan and Selangor," he said, adding that PSSMM had targeted the number to grow to 5,000 volunteers by month-end. Ahmad Puzi also said the existing reserve teams were crucial to support and complement the agency in human resource aspects in maritime enforcement duties including search and rescue operations. LIMA '17 will be held from March 21 to 25. -- BERNAMA