PUTRAJAYA – Malaysia and Japan are set to strengthen cooperation in maritime safety and enforcement, with greater collaboration planned between the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG).
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said closer coordination between the two agencies was important to support safe navigation and maintain security in waters around the Straits, while ensuring international border waters remained stable and open to maritime traffic.
“Malaysia remains committed to ensuring safety of navigation and recognises the importance of continued cooperation between the two countries to ensure that the Straits remain safe, secure and open for international navigation,” he said.
Saifuddin Nasution made the remarks during a courtesy call by Japanese Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism His Excellency Kaneko Yasushi at the Home Ministry in Putrajaya on Thursday.
The meeting also involved KDN Secretary-General Datuk Dr Awang Alik bin Jeman and MMEA Director General Admiral Datuk Haji Mohd Rosli bin Abdullah.
A key development discussed was the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed between MMEA and the JCG in June. Saifuddin Nasution described the agreement as an important milestone in maritime cooperation between Malaysia and Japan.
“This memorandum of cooperation reflects the joint commitment of Malaysia and Japan to maintain safe, open and stable waters based on the rule of law, in addition to strengthening the capabilities, interoperability and professional relations between the two agencies (MMEA and JCG),” he said.
The agreement is expected to provide a framework for practical cooperation between the two maritime enforcement agencies. Its implementation will include joint training activities, workshops, capacity-building programmes and information sharing.
These initiatives are intended to strengthen the preparedness and operational capabilities of maritime enforcement personnel, while also supporting closer professional links between the MMEA and JCG.
The cooperation comes as both countries continue to place importance on maintaining safe and secure maritime routes. The Straits are significant waterways for international navigation, making effective maritime coordination an important part of regional maritime security.
Malaysia also welcomed a Japanese proposal for a JCG patrol ship involved in international cooperation to make Malaysia its first port of call in 2027.
Saifuddin Nasution said the proposal would be particularly meaningful as Malaysia and Japan are scheduled to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations next year.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, through the MMEA, is prepared to coordinate arrangements for the proposed visit with the JCG and other relevant authorities, he added.
The courtesy visit concluded with an exchange of the MoC between the MMEA Director General and the JCG Commander, witnessed by Saifuddin Nasution and Kaneko.
The exchange further formalised the cooperation between the two agencies and highlighted the role of joint activities, information exchange and capacity building in supporting maritime safety.
The proposed patrol ship visit in 2027 is also expected to provide an opportunity to further strengthen institutional ties between Malaysia and Japan as the two countries approach the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
