Malaysia timbang kapal USCG kedua, kos baik pulih jadi penentu

Menteri Dalam Negeri Malaysia, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, has stated that the offer of a second US Coast Guard (USCG) ship was made after Malaysia received and utilized the first. The final decision, however, will only be made after the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIN) reviews the inspection report to ensure the vessel is still suitable for use and the restoration costs are reasonable.

The deputy chief of MIN will lead the inspection alongside experts from the Maritime Enforcement Agency Malaysia (APMM) including engineers. Saifuddin said that after bringing back the first vessel last year, they had to conduct their own inspection before accepting the offer. The USCG ship offer comes with a package deal that includes training, joint operations, and risk sharing.

The acceptance of the first vessel also required some upgrades, with a portion of the cost covered by the US. Saifuddin emphasized that Malaysia would not accept the offer if the inspection found the vessel unsuitable for use or if the restoration costs were too high. The Ministry of Finance, on principle, is willing to consider increasing the Rela Association membership fee from RM8 per hour.

Over 35,000 members are involved in various tasks, including controlling no-go zones, assisting traffic control, and other rescue operations. The new fee has not been set yet, but it needs to be within a reasonable range taking into account the government's financial capability. Around 1,300 members of the Relasis (Rela Youth) in universities are also expected to accept the RM8 per hour fee for their training.

They have not received a fee since the Relasis was founded in 2017, with an estimated financial implication of RM400,000 per year. Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Mohd Khalid Ismail, said that the case of the Nine Selangor State Chief Minister Ismail Lasim's forced signature on a proclamation to lower Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the State ruler remains under investigation.

The investigative file on the case has been opened. Saifuddin said further developments will be shared if there is progress in the investigation.