KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia continues to strengthen maritime patrols and regional cooperation with neighbouring countries to ensure the Strait of Malacca remains safe and open amid evolving global security threats.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said the strait had its own unique context, given the close cooperation among its littoral states and its importance to Malaysia, Asean and international trade.
“At the regional level, Malaysia continues to strengthen the Malacca Strait Patrol with Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand through coordinated sea patrols, Eyes-in-the-Sky air surveillance and the Intelligence Exchange Group.
"These efforts are coordinated through a whole-of-government approach involving the relevant ministries and security agencies, including the Maritime Operations Action Committee, coordinated by the National Security Council and comprising representatives from ministries, the armed forces and relevant enforcement agencies.
"The armed forces also conduct training, exercises and risk assessments to ensure preparedness for potential disruptions," he said during the question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Oct 26).
Adly was responding to Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad (BN-Simpang Renggam), who asked about Malaysia’s strategic preparedness in the event of the Strait of Malacca becoming a geopolitical flashpoint or experiencing maritime disruptions similar to those in the Strait of Hormuz.
Adly added that the Royal Malaysian Navy also conducts round-the-clock operations to safeguard sea lines of communication, with support from the Royal Malaysian Air Force, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and other relevant agencies.
He said the government’s approach was to maintain an appropriate level of readiness in line with current security developments.
“Efforts involving surveillance, information-sharing, regional cooperation and diplomacy will continue to be strengthened to ensure the Malacca Strait remains safe, stable and open, safeguarding national interests and facilitating the smooth flow of international trade,” he said.
