KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 – The Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), with the strong support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), recently organized a comprehensive four-day Paint Flake Analysis Training program for officers of the Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). This initiative also involved close collaboration with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
Held across two laboratories at MJIIT—the Microscopy Laboratory on January 15 and 22, 2025, and the Analytical Laboratory on January 16 and 21, 2025—the program was designed to enhance the investigative and analytical capabilities of MMEA officers in addressing maritime crimes.
The training introduced participants to fundamental techniques for elemental and coating fragment analysis, leveraging cutting-edge equipment such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Participants were trained to analyze paint flakes, a critical skill for identifying vessels involved in hit-and-run maritime incidents.
This course is an extension of a JICA Training Program that had previously facilitated a similar collaboration between the Japan Coast Guard and MMEA, with the first training session conducted at the Japan Coast Guard Research Centre. In response to MMEA’s request for enhanced local training, JICA dispatched a team of experts from Japan to Malaysia to support this program and work alongside MJIIT’s experts to provide practical, high-level instruction.
These experts and MJIIT developed a comprehensive training module covering sample preparation, imaging, and elemental analysis of paint flakes, ensuring a robust learning experience for participants. The training saw the successful participation of seven individuals, including five officers from MMEA and two representatives from UKM.
The MJIIT team of trainers, including laboratory experts, played an instrumental role in delivering the program. Trainers included Ts. Dr. Abd Halim Md Ali, ChM Dr. Eleen Dayana Mohamed Isa, ChM Shahirah Shamsulbahrin, ChM Nurain Abdul Jalil and Ahmad Hazwan Azhari from Analytical Laboratory. Microscopy Laboratory Trainers includes Dr. Azmah Nordin, Dr. Mohammad Aizi Mad Salim, Zaim Muhamad Radzi, Jufa Zyha Md Salleh and Mohammad Taufik Mohd Saad.
The program combined theoretical and practical components, including foundational principles of FTIR and SEM-EDS, equipment operation, and analysis of results. A highlight for participants was the hands-on equipment demonstrations, which offered invaluable practical exposure to advanced analytical techniques.
The training concluded with a discussion session involving MMEA officers, UKM representatives, and MJIIT experts. This session fostered dialogue on future collaboration opportunities, aiming to further enhance maritime crime investigations and research capabilities.
Participants expressed enthusiasm about applying their new knowledge to their respective roles and fields. The program not only enhanced individual expertise but also established a strong network of collaboration between MJIIT, MMEA, and UKM, creating opportunities for future joint initiatives.
