Malaysia Tenders for 13 High-Speed 50-Knot Interceptors for MMEA

Malaysia Issues Tender for 10 Fast Interceptors to Bolster Borneo Maritime Security

Malaysia Seeks 10 New Fast Interceptors to Bolster Borneo Maritime Security

Mohd Hanif Ismail - : Nov 13, 2025 - : 7:48 pm

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The Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs, on behalf of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA, also known as APMM), has released a public tender for the procurement of ten new 12-metre Fast Interceptor Rigid Hull Fenders Boats (RHFB). This procurement, valued at an indicative RM 22,780,952.30 (approx. US$4.85 million), represents a significant step in Malaysia’s ongoing programme to modernise its coastal patrol and enforcement capabilities.

The new interceptors are slated for deployment in a critical hotspot, with delivery specified to MMEA bases in the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. These waters, which form the southern end of the Sulu and Celebes Seas, are a key focus for Asia-Pacific maritime security. The MMEA is the front-line agency responsible for countering a complex range of threats, including piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing, and cross-border threats from kidnapping-for-ransom groups. The tender documents state the new RHFBs are intended to replace the MMEA's ageing 'KILAT' class Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), which have been in operational service for over 17 years.

The tender, reference KDN/PL 25/2025-PT, was published by the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Procurement Division and is open from 4 November 2025 to 25 November 2025. The procurement is open to local companies registered with the Malaysian Ministry of Finance (MOF) under field code 110699 (Maker - Boat and Ship).

The specifications call for a high-performance platform designed for aggressive interception and enforcement duties. The RHFBs must be capable of a maximum speed of not less than 50 knots (half-loaded) and a cruising speed of approximately 40 knots (fully loaded). This performance is to be achieved using a maximum of three petrol or diesel outboard motors (OBMs). The vessels must have an operational endurance of at least eight hours and a minimum range of 300 nautical miles at cruising speed.

With a maximum displacement of 9.5 tonnes, the 12-13 metre hull can be constructed from either Marine Grade Aluminium Alloy (5083H321) or Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP). The semi-cabin design will accommodate ten personnel, including a pilot and navigator, with shock-mitigating suspension seats for all occupants. To handle their intended enforcement role, the boats will be equipped with three hard points for General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG)—one forward and two aft—complete with removable telescopic pintles and bulletproof plates. On-board systems will include an air conditioning unit, a 5 Kva generator, and a modern navigation suite featuring solid-state radar, GPS, and an echo sounder.

The successful bidder will be required to deliver all ten vessels within 18 months from the contract award. The contract also specifies a comprehensive warranty, including seven years for the hull and one year (or 500 hours) for the OBMs, along with mandatory operator and maintenance training for MMEA crews.