Malaysia to boost maritime security

Spectacular sight: An air show by the Russian Knight team taking place at the Lima ’25. — Bernama

LANGKAWI: Malaysia will inc­rea­se investments in advanced surveillance technologies, inclu­ding the deployment of autonomous unmanned vehicles (AUVs), to further strengthen its maritime security.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (pic, below), who disclosed this, said intelligence-sharing mechanisms will also be stepped up with more joint naval exercises with trusted international partners to ensure preparedness against emerging threats.

“Malaysia will continue to enhance its naval and maritime enforcement capabilities to protect our national interests.

“In addition, we must keep pace with the rise of emerging and ­disruptive technologies that can optimise our ability to address maritime concerns,” he said in his keynote address at the Malaysia Maritime Conference (MMC) held in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aero­space Exhibition 2025 (Lima ’25) yesterday, Bernama reported.

Khaled said Malaysia will also continue to strengthen its legal framework to combat illegal fishing, marine pollution and enc­roa­ch­­­ment by foreign vessels.

He said by strengthening enfor­cement mechanisms, Malaysia would also be able to ensure accountability and deter illicit mari­­time activities.

“True economic prosperity cannot be achieved without maritime security.

“Both traditional and non-traditional threats – including illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, piracy, smuggling and marine pollution – continue to challenge our sovereignty,” he said.

Khaled also said disruptions to global supply chains, shifting ­geopolitical dynamics and evolving security threats further underscored the need for a strong and coordinated maritime defence posture. He highlighted the role of emerging technologies, mainly the use of artificial intelligence for data analysis, maritime threat monitoring and undersea research and exploration.

On the conference, he said it must serve as a vital platform for exchanging ideas, fostering partnerships and refining forward- looking policies to position Malay­sia as a leading maritime nation.