MALACCA: Cooperation between Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia in the Strait of Malacca must be expanded to curb piracy in their territorial waters.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said one country would not be able to effectively safeguard its maritime security.
“I have discussed the matter with my Indonesian counterpart Ryamizard Ryacudu and he, in principle, agreed. We will also discuss it with the other nations.
“We will consider other Asean members being observers in the cooperation. To date, Vietnam and Myanmar have agreed (to be observers).
“We may hold a mini summit to discuss ways to overcome piracy,” he told reporters after launching the 15th Malacca International Youth Dialogue here yesterday.
His comments came in the wake of the hijacking of the Malaysian oil tanker MT Orkim Harmony as it was travelling from Malacca to Kuantan Port.
The tanker, carrying 6,000 tonnes of petrol worth RM21mil belonging to Petronas, was subsequently found to have been repainted and renamed in Cambodian waters.
Hishammuddin also denied a report by the Indonesian media that Malaysian boats and aircraft had intruded into its territorial waters and airspace in Ambalat on the east coast of Borneo. — Bernama
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