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.