31-5-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is keen on strengthening its capabilities and capacity-building efforts with its Malaysian counterpart, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). This strategic objective was underscored by USCG Commandant Admiral Linda L. Fagan during her recent visit to the country.
Emphasizing the pivotal role played by Malaysia and the MMEA in maintaining maritime stability across the region, Admiral Fagan highlighted the country’s significance in the global maritime transportation network. “Malaysia has a huge volume of marine transportation traffic where those ships bring critical economic prosperity to the region,” she stated.
“The country absolutely plays a vital role in maritime security governance. They are the key to security and environmental protection of all the maritime realm here in the region, and as such, MMEA is a vital part of that leadership and partnership. They are a critical partner to us in the region,” Fagan added.
As the first woman to assume the role of USCG Commandant, Admiral Fagan’s visit to Malaysia, which commenced on May 28, involved high-level discussions and conversations with Malaysian maritime partners. Her itinerary aimed to further solidify the existing cooperation between the two nations.
Detailing several past initiatives aimed at enhancing US-Malaysia maritime cooperation, Fagan highlighted the joint patrols conducted by the USCG cutter Bertholf with the MMEA during a port visit to Port Klang in March. “Additionally, the USCG cutter Munro’s recent port call last year and the presence of a Southeast Asia training team have facilitated educational and training exchanges, further strengthening capabilities within the MMEA,” she said.
Furthermore, the USCG’s efforts to bolster the MMEA’s capabilities are evident in the planned transfer of a retired USCG medium endurance class cutter to Malaysia. This move is expected to enhance the country’s maritime enforcement capabilities and promote greater collaboration in areas such as search and rescue operations and combating illegal fishing.
Looking towards the future, Admiral Fagan expressed her eagerness to explore new avenues of cooperation with the MMEA. “I really do look forward to the conversations today to reinforce with our Malaysian counterparts and affirm what we’re already doing as partners with them,” she remarked.
“And again, whether it’s passing exercises, tabletops, key leader exchanges, subject matter exchanges, there’s really nothing but opportunity in front of us. It is our desire to be a partner of choice for MMEA, and it’s really for MMEA and Malaysia to define what that is, and we’re ready and able to engage in that.”
