Malaysian Maritime to Use Unmanned Aircraft Systems
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritime Malaysia) will enhance its capacity through the adoption of modern technology and innovation to improve surveillance, enforcement and operational readiness capabilities via the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).
The signing of the MoU with Australia is a manifestation of the country’s commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in developing maritime surveillance and monitoring capabilities through the adoption of modern technology, expertise sharing and operational experience.
Maritime Malaysia Director-General, Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah, said the signing of the MoU reflects the agency’s determination to keep pace with current technological developments in strengthening its capability to carry out the responsibility of safeguarding the security, safety and sovereignty of the nation’s waters.
According to him, the use of RPAS technology has the potential to become a key element in expanding maritime monitoring and surveillance capabilities, especially in vast and challenging waters.
“This strategic cooperation with Australia opens up opportunities for sharing expertise, experience and best practices in developing a capability that is practical, safe and suitable for Maritime Malaysia’s operational needs.
“Malaysia, as a maritime nation with vast waters, faces various security challenges, including cross‑border criminal activities, encroachment, smuggling and various unlawful activities at sea,” he said in a statement on Monday.
Mohd Rosli said RPAS technology has the potential to serve as a force multiplier for existing assets and personnel by providing aerial monitoring support and expanding surveillance coverage, thus helping to strengthen decision‑making and operational execution capabilities.
He said this collaboration combines Australia’s expertise in drone technology with Malaysia’s extensive maritime operational experience and understanding of the environment and enforcement needs in the nation’s waters.
“Through close cooperation between both countries, this technology will be developed and integrated safely and effectively into Maritime Malaysia’s operations,” he said.
The MoU, signed at the Maritime Malaysia Headquarters in Putrajaya on Monday, is the second memorandum of understanding between Maritime Malaysia and the Australian government.
It is a continuation of the MoU on Maritime Enforcement Cooperation signed on 28 November 2025, with Australia represented by the Maritime Border Command, Australian Border Force.
The signing of this MoU also provides a more structured cooperation framework, enabling both countries to continue joint operational capability development in the long term, thereby strengthening Malaysia–Australia bilateral relations in the field of maritime security.
Sinar Harian