Sabah: The deployment of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency's (MMEA) new asset, the Ex-United States Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Steadfast in Sabah shows the government's continued commitment to improve the security of the state's waters. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that the strategic asset will be deployed in Sabah as soon as improvements and maintenance of the ship are complete.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Steadfast, received from the US early this month, is currently undergoing maintenance work. The vessel is stationed at Klang Port after completing a nearly two-month journey from Baltimore, US. This information was shared by the Home Minister during a meeting featuring the Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for Karamunting with the Chinese community in Kampung Pukat.

Saifuddin Nasution highlighted that discussions with the MMEA are planned to determine the precise location for the deployment of this asset. Meanwhile, the Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) KM Fatimah, currently deployed in Sarawak, underscores the government's commitment to ensuring the security of Sabah and Sarawak's waters.

The USCGC Steadfast measures 64.16 metres in length, with a width of 10 metres, and weighs 1,100 tons. It is manned by a crew complement of 12 officers and 63 officers of other ranks and is capable of reaching speeds of up to 18 knots. The Home Minister noted that this vessel will significantly enhance the MMEA's capabilities in monitoring approximately 600,000 square kilometres of the nation's waters, as it will be instrumental in combating smuggling, drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal fishing, and encroachment by foreign vessels.

Karamunting is a state seat within the Batu Sapi parliamentary constituency, which also includes Sekong. Sabah voters are scheduled to cast their ballots on November 29, with early voting taking place on the same day.