LANGKAWI: Asean countries must enhance cooperation amongst navies and other maritime enforcement agencies to ensure better maritime security.
In his keynote address at the ‘Chiefs of Navy Roundtable Talks’, Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussien said he hoped to see the success of the Malacca Straits Patrol, (MSP) repeated in other areas in the region.
The MSP is a joint naval and air patrol programme between Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand that has significantly reduced piracy in the straits.
Hishamuddin also said that security forces needed to be vigilant against extremists, terrorists and militants from exploiting maritime borders.
“I am happy to note that Asean has pledged to continue its commitment to address the threats of terrorism, radicalism and extremism and to warn the public of its consequences.”