Embassy of Japan in Malaysia

The handover ceremony of equipment to the Marine Operation Force of the Royal Malaysia Police under the Japanese Grant Aid Project – “Project for Improvement of Equipment for Maritime Security Enhancement” – was held on 17th March 2011 at the Marine Operation Force Base in Port Klang. The equipment which consists of 40 sets of Night Vision Goggles, 40 sets of Binocular Range Finders, 60 sets of Digital Portable Radios, and 4 units of Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (worth approx. 278 million yen (RM 10 million)) were donated under the Japanese Grant Aid. They will enhance sea surveillance of Malaysian waters including the Straits of Malacca and will contribute to more effective suppression of sea crimes committed using high speed boats. This hand over of equipment to the Marine Operation Force is the third phase of grant aid in maritime security enhancement. A total amount of approximately RM 51 million has been contributed to this cause so far.

The Straits of Malacca is one of the most important shipping lanes, where 200 vessels pass through per day, carrying about one-third of the world’s sea traded goods. The number of maritime crimes such as armed robbery in the Straits of Malacca has been increasing. As such, the safety and security in the Straits is a high priority not only to Malaysia but also for international users including Japan.
Thus, the Government of Japan has been supportive of Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) since its establishment. It has been cooperating to reinforce the operation system and enhance the implementing capability of MMEA. The Government of Japan is currently providing technical assistance “Project for Capacity Building in Maritime Safety and Security” implemented by JICA. One long-term expert from Japan Coast Guard has been working in the office of MMEA, in order to improve the capability of MMEA officials on maritime law enforcement. In addition, the Government of Japan has donated three units of Laser Cameras and two units of Radio Direction Finders (worth approx. 473 million yen (RM 16 million)) to MMEA in March 2009, as well as 10 units of speed boats and 14 units of hand held thermal imagers (worth approx. 714 million yen (RM 25 million)) to the Royal Malaysian Customs. It is Japan’s hope that these series of grant aid projects and technical assistance will strengthen maritime safety and security.