Straits Patrol maintaining security in waters – Hisham

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KUALA LUMPUR: The implementation of the Malacca Straits Patrol (MSP) since April 2006 to conduct security patrol in the Straits of Malacca had succeeded in maintaining peace in the waters from threats of robberies and piracy.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the number of robbery and piracy incidents had dropped significantly to 37 cases after the MSP was implemented from 2006 to 2015 compared to 186 cases from 2000 to 2005.

“As at May, there were no incidents reported this year,” he said during question time at the Dewan Negara yesterday.

The MSP which comprises Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia is coordinated by the armed forces of each country through a committee to conduct patrols in their respective maritime territories.

He said apart from maintaining security in the Straits of Malacca, the measure included implementing air surveillance in the straits under the Eyes in the Sky initiative involving joint patrols by personnel from three countries in one aircraft.

“For the operation, 28 flights were conducted each month in rotation among the member countries,” he said.

He said the government would continue to focus on security in the Straits of Malacca as it is an important route for commercial ships all over the world.

He said last year, 80,959 ships passed through the straits compared to 55,957 in year 2000 while as at May this year, 34,885 ships had been recorded passing through the straits.

When met at the Parliament lobby, Hishammuddin also called on the private sector and other countries with interests to contribute towards maintaining peace in the Straits of Malacca.

He said the Straits of Malacca had been removed from the war risk zone list by the Lloyd’s Market Association through a Joint War Committee in 2006.— Bernama