KUANTAN – The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritim Malaysia) of Terengganu has reinforced its partnership with PETRONAS following a courtesy visit by the company’s East Coast security delegation on 13 July 2026.
The delegation, led by Suhailan bin Saharudin, Senior Manager of PETRONAS Group Security Operations Department for the East Coast Region, was welcomed at the Terengganu State Maritime Headquarters by State Maritime Director Captain Hamiludin bin Che Awang and senior officers. The visit was aimed at strengthening strategic ties and enhancing cooperation in maritime safety, particularly in safeguarding Malaysia’s oil and gas production zones.
Discussions during the session centred on operational collaboration, joint training, risk management, and emergency response strategies. Both parties exchanged views on improving coordination in handling maritime incidents and ensuring the highest level of safety across offshore facilities.
Captain Hamiludin stressed the importance of maintaining strong ties with industry stakeholders such as PETRONAS. “Close cooperation with stakeholders such as PETRONAS is very important for the Malaysian Maritime in ensuring that the security, peace and sovereignty of the country’s waters are always maintained. We will continue to strengthen this collaborative approach for the sake of mutual interests,” he said.
The Terengganu Maritime Director also expressed appreciation for PETRONAS’ proactive engagement, noting that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to protecting national assets. Oil and gas facilities are considered strategic to Malaysia’s economy, and ensuring their safety requires close coordination between enforcement agencies and industry players.
The courtesy visit highlighted several key areas of cooperation:
- Maritime safety – Ensuring offshore operations are protected against risks and threats.
- Emergency preparedness – Strengthening joint response mechanisms for maritime incidents.
- Information sharing – Enhancing communication channels between PETRONAS and enforcement agencies.
- Joint training – Building capacity through shared exercises and operational readiness programmes.
The collaboration between PETRONAS and Maritim Malaysia is part of a broader national strategy to safeguard Malaysia’s maritime zones. With increasing maritime traffic and offshore activities, the need for integrated safety measures has become more pressing.
Industry observers note that partnerships of this nature are crucial in balancing economic growth with national security. PETRONAS, as Malaysia’s leading oil and gas company, operates extensive offshore facilities that require constant monitoring and protection. By working closely with enforcement agencies, the company contributes to ensuring operational continuity and resilience.
The visit also reflects Malaysia’s wider practice of fostering cooperation between government agencies and strategic industry players. Such partnerships are seen as essential in protecting national interests, particularly in sectors that underpin the country’s economic stability.
Both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening coordination and maintaining readiness for maritime emergencies. The collaborative approach is expected to enhance Malaysia’s ability to respond swiftly to incidents, safeguard strategic assets, and uphold the sovereignty of its waters.
