KL, Thailand begin exercise

KL, Thailand begin exercise

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian and Thai navy and marine police forces began a five-day annual exercise on Tuesday to improve security and curb encroachment into each other's waters.

Some 500 personnel from both countries are taking part in the exercise at a naval base in the central Malaysian state of Kuantan, Bernama news agency said.

Capt. Faizal Abdullah, who heads the Malaysian delegation, said the exercise -- which was first held in 1977 -- would improve communications and operational efficiency in safeguarding their territorial waters.

"The main objective is to further enhance bilateral ties in military and security aspects besides curbing encroachment by fishermen and others," Faizal was quoted as saying.

The Thai delegation is led by Real Admiral Sangat Umchit. The closing ceremony will be held in Songkhla in southern Thailand on Saturday.