Malaysia Maritime Security

The Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Home Affairs, which oversees Malaysia’s coast guard and other maritime law enforcement agencies, emphasize safeguarding trade and shipping lane security, combating maritime crimes, fostering regional cooperation, and conducting joint military exercises. The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) have taken measures to address maritime security challenges in overlapping border areas.  These include increased presence and patrols, soft power approaches, asset modernization, and collaboration with local and regional agencies. The RMN has a 15-to-5 Transformation Plan to streamline operations and boost maritime defense by reducing the navy’s fleet from 15 ship classes to five. The updated fleet will comprise littoral combat ships, littoral mission ships (LMS), submarines, multi-role support ships (MRSS), corvettes (formerly patrol vessels), minehunters, and hydrographic survey vessels.

Moreover, under the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030), the RMN plans to acquire additional assets, including:

⦁    3 Littoral Mission Ships (LMS)
⦁    2 Multi-Role Support Ships (MRSS)
⦁    4 Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Helicopters

Malaysia is upgrading and modernizing its assets as a preventive measure. The country adopts a diplomacy-first stance in maritime affairs, especially in contested zones like the South China Sea. The Malaysian government pledged to continue investing in assets to enhance maritime defense capabilities in the long run, highlighting interest in autonomous systems, uncrewed vessels, radar technology, and advanced communications platforms.

If you represent a U.S. company keen to explore opportunities in Malaysia by offering solutions in the maritime security sector, please contact Senior Commercial Specialist Siau Wei Pung at office.kualalumpur@trade.gov.