SUBANG JAYA, 14 August 2026 (The Capital Post) – Minister of Home Affairs YB Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail today officiated the reception ceremony for the first AW189 helicopter acquired by Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia (Maritim Malaysia) at the Subang Maritime Air Station.
The event was also attended by Home Ministry Secretary-General YBhg. Datuk Dr. Awang Alik bin Jeman; Maritim Malaysia Director-General YBhg. Laksamana Maritim Datuk Haji Mohd Rosli bin Abdullah; Deputy Secretary-General (Security) YBhg. Dato’ Haji Abdul Halim bin Haji Abdul Rahman; Deputy Secretary-General (Management) YBrs. Puan Ainah binti Mohd Soon; division secretaries of the Home Ministry; and senior officials from the ministry and relevant agencies.
The AW189 received today is the first of four Medium Lift helicopters acquired by Maritim Malaysia under the Fourth Rolling Plan (RP4) of the 11th Malaysia Plan (RMKe-11), through a five-year contract running from 19 January 2024 to 18 January 2029.
With an operational range of up to 1,166 kilometres, a maximum speed of 313 kilometres per hour and an endurance of up to five hours, the AW189 is capable of operating day and night in various weather conditions.
Operated by a five-member crew and capable of carrying up to 14 passengers, the asset is expected to strengthen Maritim Malaysia’s capabilities in enforcement, search and rescue (CARILAMAT), aerial surveillance, MEDEVAC and special operations across the country’s waters.
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As of 24 July 2026, Maritim Malaysia had conducted 116,192 inspections and 26,253 searches, resulting in 562 arrests and seizures valued at more than RM4.38 billion. The agency also carried out 129 CARILAMAT cases involving 638 victims.
The acquisition reflects the continued commitment of the MADANI Government to strengthening the capabilities of the country’s enforcement agencies in safeguarding public safety, national sovereignty and the stability of Malaysia’s maritime economy.
According to a post on the official Facebook page of Kementerian Dalam Negeri (KDN), the reception of the AW189 marks an effort to enhance Maritim Malaysia’s operational capabilities in safeguarding the country’s waters. – The Capital Post
