(Press Release) TCTP Implementation of Training for Strengthening Maritime Law Enforcement Capabilities in the Indo-Pacific Region

JICA Malaysia Office, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), will conduct the Third Country Training Programme (TCTP)* entitled “Capacity Enhancement for Coast Guard Officers (International Maritime Interdiction Course Training)” for countries in the Indo-Pacific region, held from 14 to 25 September 2026 at the Sultan Ahmad Shah Maritime Academy (AMSAS) in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.

Maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, including illegal fishing, smuggling, and other transnational crimes, continue to pose significant risks to regional stability. Recent events also made clear the impact of disruptions to maritime navigation and stability to the global economy, causing a clear impact on private households. Maritime enforcement agencies play a critical role in ensuring the stability and security of the maritime domain. These agencies increasingly require enhanced operational capabilities and practical skills to effectively respond to these threats.

In response to this, The Third Country Training Program (TCTP) “Capacity Enhancement for Coast Guard Officers: International Maritime Interdiction Course” will be conducted from 14 September to 25 September 2026 at Akademi Maritim Sultan Ahmad Shah (AMSAS), Kuantan, Pahang. This training program is hosted by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in collaboration with the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP), the Japan Coast Guard (JCG), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The Third Country Training Programme (TCTP) is a form of technical cooperation through which JICA partners with host countries to deliver training programmes that benefit participants from other participating nations. Through TCTP, the experiences, expertise, and best practices of both Japan and the host country are shared to strengthen the capacity of participants in addressing development challenges in their respective countries. Malaysia has been implementing the Malaysia Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) since 1980, and JICA has partnered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia in implementing TCTP programmes since 1992. The programme reflects the shared commitment of Japan and Malaysia to promote South-South and Triangular Cooperation for sustainable development and regional capacity building.

For the 2026 programme, MMEA will serve as the Training Institute and host 11 Coast Guard officers from seven countries within the Asia-Pacific Region, with JCG’s Mobile Cooperation Team as guest instructors. The participants are officers responsible for maritime law enforcement and coast guard operations in their respective countries. The programme is designed to enhance participants’ knowledge, operational capabilities, and professional competencies in maritime interdiction and law enforcement through a combination of lectures, practical exercises, and simulation-based training. This training will further promote Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific initiative by strengthening maritime law enforcement cooperation, enhancing regional maritime security, and promoting a rules-based maritime order among Indo-Pacific partner countries.

Programme Outline

Project Title:
Capacity Enhancement for Coast Guard Officers (International Maritime Interdiction Course)


Training Institute:
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA)

Training Period:
14 September until 25 September 2026


Training Venue:
Akademi Maritim Sultan Ahmad Shah (AMSAS), Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia


Target Countries:
7 Countries
(1. Indonesia, 2. Papua New Guinea, 3. Philippines, 4. Sri Lanka, 5. Thailand, 6. Timor-Leste, 7. Yemen)

Training Contents
As the Training Institution, MMEA will share Malaysia’s operational experiences and best practices in maritime security and law enforcement, covering the following topics:

(i) Boarding and Systematic Vessel Search

(ii) Arresting and Self-Defence Techniques

(iii)Maritime Law Enforcement Procedures

(iv) Simulation Exercises and Practical Drills

Through interactive learning and practical sessions, participants will gain valuable knowledge and skills that can be adapted and applied within their respective maritime enforcement agencies.

Related Events:

1. Opening Ceremony
   14 September 2026
   Venue: Akademi Maritim Sultan Ahmad Shah (AMSAS), Kuantan
   
2. Closing Ceremony
   25 September 2026
   Venue: Akademi Maritim Sultan Ahmad Shah (AMSAS), Kuantan
   

Contact Information:

For further information, please contact:


Mr. Muhammad Imran Mohd Fauzi
JICA Malaysia Office
Tel: +60-3-2166-8900
Email: imranfauzi-ms▲jica.go.jp


Ms. Aiman Siddiqi
JICA Malaysia Office
Tel: +60-3-2166-8900
Email: aimansiddiqi.ms▲jica.go.jp
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