Malaysia calls for greater regional cooperation to guard the Sulu Sea

The proposal follows an increase in kidnapping cases in the troubled waterways and criticism over Malaysia’s assets to tackle cross-border crime in the region.

By Melissa Goh

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein is proposing greater military cooperation with Indonesia, the Philippines and Brunei to ensure safety and security in the Sulu Sea. He was speaking on Sunday (Apr 17) after a walkabout at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) exhibition and conference in Kuala Lumpur.

The proposal comes following a rise in kidnapping cases in the troubled waterways where tugboats were increasingly being targeted by Abu Sayyaf related gunmen from southern Philippines. Mr Hishammuddin said having the best asset alone is not going to be enough.

The Minister added, Malaysia must tighten cooperation with its regional neighbours including replicating the joint patrol and Eyes in the Sky (EiS) program in the Strait of Malacca to the waterways off Sabah.

The comments come after criticism that Malaysia’s maritime enforcement agency's assets were old and ineffective in tackling cross-border crimes like piracy and kidnap for ransom.

"To say any country has enough assets, just look at assets utilised in Iraq and Syria, the super hornets, the typhoon ... you have the best assets but it is still not resolved. If you look at the regional issue, the Sulu sea, the threat of militancy trying to establish in the region we have no choice but to work together," said Mr Hishammuddin.

Currently, Malaysia is using four of Brunei's Black Hawk helicopters to beef up its defence forces. In turn, Kuala Lumpur is arming the helicopters for Brunei.

Malaysia also recently bought four unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) that are currently operating out of Lahad Datu east coast of Sabah for surveillance and reconnaissance purposes. Minister Hishammuddin said he will be meeting with his Indonesian counterpart Ryamizard Ryacudu next week on the sideline of the DSA exhibition in Kuala Lumpur.

"This is the way we have to work forward, thinking outside the box. The enemy we are facing is the same, the threat of military Daesh and IS involves us all," he said.

The DSA exhibition and conference which will showcase some of the latest defence systems from 1200 companies worldwide, is expected to attract over 34,000 trade visitors over the next 4 days.


Sumber - Channel NewsAsia