KL may adopt British counterterror tactics

KL may adopt British counterterror tactics

MALAYSIA: Malaysia may adopt British maritime counterterrorism tactics to prevent attacks by pirates and terrorists in the Strait of Malacca, one of the world's most important trade routes, news reports said on Saturday.

The tactics, which include the use of radar to boost nighttime surveillance, could be modified for use by a new maritime agency in Malaysia that is expected to be operational by the end of the year, the reports quoted Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak as saying.

"The agency's primary role is to ensure safety in the Strait of Malacca and to respond swiftly to any crisis arising from pirate attacks or other incidents," The Star newspaper quoted Najib as telling Malaysian journalists in London.

"We want to ensure that in the future our maritime enforcement capability is on par with the international standard," he was quoted as saying by the national news agency Bernama.

The Star said Malaysia was also studying other countries' maritime security systems, although the British model appeared to be effective. No further details were given. --AP