KL to set sea lanes for ships

KL to set sea lanes for ships

KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): Malaysia will soon designate specific sea
lanes for all vessels sailing in waters off Sabah state on Borneo
island in an attempt to curb pirate and terrorist attacks, news
reports said on Tuesday.

The ruling might be enforced as early as next month and was
aimed at stepping up the safety of ships and Sabah, which lies
near the southern Philippines.

"Ships must use the designated routes or be stopped by the
Royal Malaysian Navy or the marine police," Defense Minister
Najib Razak was quoted as saying by The Star daily.

Malaysian security forces beefed up security and marine
patrols around Sabah waters after two cross-border abductions of
tourists and resort workers by Abu Sayyaf rebels from the
southern Philippines last year.