PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is expected to receive two of the three offshore patrol vessels (OPV) it ordered by the middle and end of this year.
According to deputy home minister Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, the vessels were originally scheduled to be handed over in March and October.
However, the delays will not lead to additional costs, Bernama quoted Shamsul as saying.
“The overall progress of construction of all three OPVs is at 74.62% and the construction company is committed to handing over two of the vessels this year, while the final vessel is expected to be handed over next year,” he said.
He was replying to Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau), who asked about the replacements of old MMEA assets during a special chamber session of the Dewan Rakyat today.
Last month, home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail called for the two OPVs to be completed according to the initial schedule.
While he did not dismiss the possibility of delays for the first vessel, Saifuddin said the government’s stand was that the handover dates should not change.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had also said that Putrajaya will inject RM152.6 million to ensure the first OPV would be completed this year.
The finance ministry had taken over the project from Tabung Haji subsidiary Destini Sdn Bhd after it was found to be facing major problems.