Asia/Pacific News
Malaysia Calls for Anti Piracy, Hijacking Strategies to be Revisited
Following the eighth reported hijacking in Malaysian waters this year, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, the country's defence minister, has suggested that anti-hijacking and anti-piracy efforts should be reassessed, local media reports.
"I think these efforts must be revisited and we should call on other countries to come on board too," said Hishamuddin.
After the latest hijacking, Malaysia is reportedly urging its neighbouring countries to review their anti-piracy coordination efforts as well.
Hishamuddin notes the country has working arrangements, such as surveillance and joint patrols, with Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Malaysia's Transport Minister, has said the Marine Department is also working closely with other agencies to strengthen Malaysia's waterway security.
"Security is of our great concern and we are stepping up measures to wipe out piracy," explained Liow.
In July, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) International Maritime Bureau (IMB) released a new maritime piracy report that showed a continuing trend in hijackings of small coastal tankers in South East Asia, with an average of one attack occurring every two weeks.
