Malaysia boosts Strait of Malacca security to ensure safe, stable trade: official

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia is strengthening its maritime preparedness through continuous surveillance, information sharing and regional cooperation to ensure the Strait of Malacca remains safe, stable and open to international trade, Deputy Defense Minister Adly Zahari said on Monday.

Photo taken on June 18, 2023 shows a view the Strait of Malacca seen from Malacca, Malaysia. (File photo: Xinhua)

The country's armed forces are engaged in continuous surveillance and patrols to safeguard the strategic shipping lane, Adly reported to the country's parliament.

He said Malaysia was also strengthening regional cooperation with littoral states through joint patrols involving Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, to enhance the effectiveness of patrols, information sharing and maritime domain awareness in response to a question on the area potentially becoming a geopolitical flashpoint and experiencing maritime disruptions similar to those in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Defense Ministry's approach is to ensure that preparedness remains at an appropriate level in line with current security developments, he said, adding that efforts in surveillance, information sharing, regional cooperation and diplomacy will continue to be strengthened to ensure the strait remains safe.