KL welcomes RI's proposal on straits patrols

KL welcomes RI's proposal on straits patrols

Jasbant Singh, Associated Press, Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia on Friday welcomed an Indonesian suggestion to conduct joint patrols with Singapore to guard the Malacca Straits against threats from pirates and terrorists.

Indonesia's navy chief Adm. Bernard Kent Sondakh said on Thursday that officials from his country will meet with their Malaysian counterparts on June 27 to discuss increasing security in the narrow, 900 kilometer waterway.

A date has yet to be set for talks with Singaporean officials.

The key maritime route - bordered by Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia - carries a third of the world's trade and half of the world's oil supply. But it is rife with pirates and authorities warn the waterway is vulnerable to possible terror attacks.

On Friday, Malaysian Deputy Defense Minister Zainal Abidin Zin described the idea of joint patrols as "very good," but said it needed further study "to ensure it makes a positive contribution to the security of the straits."

He said all three countries were keen to increase security in the Malacca Straits.

Indonesia and Malaysia have rejected offers from Washington to deploy U.S. forces in the waterway, plans that were backed by Singapore.

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak last week urged Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore to tighten cooperation to "convince the international community that the straits will not be exposed to possibilities" of a terror attack.

Najib who is also defense minister, had suggested the neighbors could conduct joint anti-terrorism training for their personnel, implement coordinated maritime patrols and increase the sharing of security intelligence.

Indonesia said any help from Washington's should be limited to intelligence sharing, training and equipment.