Does SKMM issue MMSI numbers and what is the purpose of having MMSI number for a ship station?

SKMM is responsible in assigning the Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number to a ship station. The MMSI is programmed into the automatic radio communications system such as the digital selective calling (DSC), satellite earth station (SES) and the emergency position- identified radio beacon (EPIRB). For details, please refer to: http://www.skmm.gov.my/facts_figures/codes_gl/guidelines/mmsi/mmsi.pdf