Anwar says Malaysia, Maldives to expand cooperation in maritime security, halal and haj

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaks at a joint press conference with Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu at the President’s Office here today. — Bernama pic

First Published: Tuesday, 15 Sep 2026 5:23 PM MYT

MALE, Sept 15 — Malaysia and the Maldives are set to expand cooperation in maritime security and training, as well as halal, wakaf and haj, following the exchange of two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) on defence and Islamic affairs today.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that as a maritime nation, the Maldives placed particular importance on maritime cooperation, including security and training.

“The Maldives is a maritime nation and places great importance on maritime cooperation, as well as cooperation in security, training and maritime safety and security, which we will continue to pursue,” he told Malaysian media after completing his official programme at the President’s Office here today.

On Islamic affairs, Anwar said the Maldives’ status as an Islamic country provided opportunities to deepen cooperation in areas including halal, dakwah, Muslim affairs, waqf and haj.

Earlier, Anwar and Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu witnessed the exchange of the two cooperation documents at the President’s Office.

At a joint press conference later, Muizzu said the agreements opened new avenues for practical cooperation while strengthening the institutional foundations of Malaysia-Maldives bilateral relations.

“Today we witnessed the exchange of new cooperation agreements in two important areas, which are defence cooperation and Islamic faith.

“These agreements open new avenues for practical cooperation and further strengthen the institutional foundations of our bilateral relationship,” he said.

Also present were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan and Malaysian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Badli Hisham Adam.

Anwar is on a two-day official visit to the Maldives, which ends this afternoon. — Bernama