MIRI: Malaysia took delivery of two new fisheries patrol vessels in a decisive move to tighten its grip on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and safeguard the nation’s marine resources.
The vessels, Kapal Perikanan (KP) Manta and Kapal Perikanan (KP) Layaran, were officially handed over to the Department of Fisheries (DOF) at Sarawak Slipways Sdn Bhd here on Saturday.
The handover was witnessed by the DOF’s Director-General, Datuk Adnan Hussain.
“The addition of these patrol assets is proof of the government’s continued commitment to empowering the DOF to protect the country’s fisheries resources.
“They will boost the effectiveness of our surveillance operations, combat IUU fishing, and also serve as support assets for search and rescue operations at sea,” he said.
The new patrol craft marks a significant strengthening of Malaysia’s ‘Monitoring, Control and Surveillance’ (MCS) programme, the cornerstone of the nation’s fisheries enforcement strategy.
The MCS framework underpins Malaysia’s compliance with global fisheries governance standards, while aligning with recent amendments to the Fisheries Act 1985 designed to close gaps in enforcement.
Both vessels were constructed at a total cost of RM13.88 million. Measuring 17.95 metres in length and 5.20 metres in width, each is powered by twin 1,200-horsepower engines enabling top speeds of up to 20 knots.
The vessels are designed to operate with crews of up to eight officers.
The KP Manta will be stationed at the Fisheries Conservation and Protection Base (PKOPP) in Langkawi, while the KP Layaran will operate out of Kuantan.
Both are scheduled to set sail for their home bases on October 5.
In a symbolic shift, the patrol vessels also debut a new livery for the DOF’s enforcement fleet.
The traditional grey hulls have been replaced by a striking white, red and blue scheme, reflecting the department’s refreshed mandate to strengthen marine conservation alongside enforcement.
“This rebranding reflects our renewed aspirations to reinforce fisheries conservation and enforcement nationwide,” Adnan said.
The vessels’ dual role in enforcement and emergency response is expected to strengthen DOF’s operational flexibility, particularly in Malaysia’s busy fishing grounds and maritime corridors where illegal fishing and safety incidents often overlap.
Malaysia’s fisheries sector is not only an economic pillar but also a critical element of national food security.
Overfishing, encroachment and destructive practices pose persistent threats to marine sustainability.
Officials say the new patrol vessels will directly support efforts to ensure sustainable catches, a key plank of the country’s food security policy.
“This initiative demonstrates the government’s full support in preserving marine resources to secure the nation’s food supply,” said Adnan, thanking the Ministry of Economy for funding under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) and to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) for backing the MCS programme.
The acquisition, he stressed, was also the result of close collaboration within DOF, particularly the technical and project management teams that saw the vessels delivered on schedule.
Analysts say the commissioning of KP Manta and KP Layaran sends a strong signal to regional players.
IUU fishing has long undermined Southeast Asia’s fisheries, costing billions in lost revenue while threatening livelihoods and ecosystems.
Malaysia’s investment in modern patrol craft places it in a stronger position to push back against such incursions.
The vessels’ deployment also reflects a broader push by the government to project maritime stewardship at a time when climate change, habitat degradation, and food demand are converging into complex challenges.
For Malaysia, the stakes are high. Fisheries contribute nearly 12 per cent to national protein intake and support more than 150,000 livelihoods.
With the launch of KP Manta and KP Layaran, authorities say the country is better armed to protect those interests.
