Straits of Malacca removed from war risk zone

KUALA LUMPUR: The Straits of Malacca has been removed from a war risk zone list by the Lloyd's Market Association Joint War Committee.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said this is due in large to the joint efforts of Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.
"We have the Malacca Straits Sea Patrol (MSSP), Eyes in the Sky and Intelligence Exchange Group (IEG) between the four countries," he told a press conference at Parliament lobby today.
He said this will lower insurance premiums for shipping companies operating in the Malacce Straits and urged the private sector to come forward and help the government in ensuring the safety and security of ships there.
He added that while the government has a duty to do so, it is a joint responsibility since the private sector is making profits from government efforts.
He suggested that countries that are benefiting from the trade route, such as shipping oil to Japan and China, contribute to the Straits security.
The government is attempting to recreate this success in the Sulu Straits with the Philippines and Indonesia, he said.
On reports that China is mulling to build a floating nuclear power plant in the South China Sea, he said that is under the purview of the Foreign Ministry and top leaders of Asean.
However, he said his ministry is monitoring the military build up of both the US and China in the region.
He also answered a question in the Dewan Negara by Senator Datuk Adam Abdul Hamid on the achievements by Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia in the security of the Malacca Straits, saying that joint efforts by the countries had reduced piracy incidences from 186 cases from the year 2000 to 2005, to 37 cases from 2006 to 2015.