Malaysia Welcomes KM Bendahara: Ex-USCG Cutter Steadfast Strengthens Maritime Security

Malaysia Welcomes KM Bendahara as Ex-USCG Cutter Steadfast Completes Historic Journey

Mohd Hanif Ismail - : Nov 4, 2025 - : 9:58 pm

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Malaysia has officially taken delivery of its newest long-range maritime enforcement vessel, KM Bendahara — formerly the US Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast (WMEC-623) — following a challenging 49-day, 10,600-nautical-mile voyage from Baltimore, United States. The ship arrived at Pulau Indah on 4 November, marking a major enhancement in the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency’s (MMEA) blue-water capabilities as regional security challenges intensify in the South China Sea.

The vessel’s transcontinental journey included crossings of the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, Andaman Sea, and the South China Sea, navigating key global chokepoints including the Strait of Gibraltar, the Suez Canal, and the Strait of Malacca. Family members and senior officials welcomed the 50-strong crew upon arrival, celebrating both operational success and emotional homecoming.

The news was first announced by the MMEA across multiple official channels, while the United States Embassy in Kuala Lumpur described the event as a symbol of strong defence cooperation between the two nations.

Strengthening Malaysia’s Indo-Pacific Presence

MMEA Director-General Admiral Maritime Datuk Haji Mohd Rosli Abdullah expressed pride in the professionalism and resilience demonstrated by the crew during the vessel transfer mission.

“Not only did this voyage test the mental and physical endurance of our personnel, it proved the high operational capability of MMEA officers in commanding ships across complex and international waters,” he said.

Once fully operational, KM Bendahara is expected to be deployed primarily in East Malaysia — particularly around Sabah — to support patrols, intercept transnational crime, enhance maritime domain awareness, and expand search-and-rescue coverage in the contested South China Sea. The region has seen growing pressure from illegal fishing networks, piracy threats, and increasing military activities by major powers.

US-Malaysia Maritime Partnership

The transfer of Steadfast to Malaysia forms part of the United States’ Excess Defence Articles (EDA) programme, through which Washington supports partner nations’ maritime capacity building. Valued at approximately USD 20 million (RM95.5 million) when in operational service with the US Coast Guard, the medium-endurance cutter underwent upgrades and training activities in Maryland prior to handover.

Capability for Future Operations

KM Bendahara’s operational range and endurance make it particularly suited for extended patrol missions across Malaysia’s vast maritime zones, including waters bordering the Philippines, Indonesia, and the highly strategic deep-sea energy platforms off Sabah and Sarawak.

During the voyage, the vessel also conducted port calls at Ponta Delgada (Portugal), Souda Bay (Greece), Port Said (Egypt), Djibouti, and Colombo (Sri Lanka) for technical and logistical support. One crew member requiring medical attention was safely treated in Crete, demonstrating MMEA’s safety assurance throughout the mission.

Pegawai Memerintah (Commanding Officer) Commander Maritime Mohd Fahimi Omar described the operation as one of the most historic missions ever undertaken by the agency since its establishment in 2004.

“Every nautical mile has been a significant learning experience,” he said. “This achievement reflects our readiness to manage advanced maritime assets and undertake complex international deployments.”

Upgrading Malaysia’s Maritime Enforcement Future

The arrival of KM Bendahara signals Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening naval and coast guard capabilities in line with regional maritime security trends. Across the Asia-Pacific, coast guards are emerging as the frontline responders in grey-zone operations where sovereignty enforcement, deterrence, and civil-maritime tasks intersect.

With China expanding aggressive patrols near Malaysian energy operations at Luconia Shoals, and persistent incursions by foreign fishing fleets, MMEA’s enhanced endurance fleet is expected to play a vital role in national security — under the broader focus of a “Maritime Nation” vision.

As the ship undergoes final systems integration and operational preparations, Malaysia’s blue-water enforcement forces can now project stronger presence and protection over its maritime sovereignty.

Welcome home, KM Bendahara — and to the crew, selamat kembali ke tanah air.