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Malacca Strait Much Safer Now, Sez Maritime Enforcement Chief
 The Strait of Melaka, among the world's busiest shipping route, has been free of crime since last October and is the testimony that the waterway is now safe. The Director of the Maritime Enforcement Coordination Centre (MECC) Admiral Abdul Hadi A. Rashid said only 11 maritime crimes occurred up to September 2005 compared to 37 cases for the whole of 2004.Abdul Hadi attributed the crime free scenario for the last five months at the 900 kilometer long strait as the outcome of concerted enforcement efforts taken by various maritime enforcement agencies. He admitted to the fact that up to last year MECC faced a major challenge in changing the perception on the Strait of Melaka's safety record. But the challenge prompted all relevant agencies to enhance surveillance and operations to boost security at the strait. About 50,000 ships pass the narrow Strait of Melaka every year. Since early 2000 the strait was plagued by piracy and ship hijackings that prompted international attention. Abdul Hadi said the International Maritime Bureau in its annual report recognised Malaysia's commitment in tackling crimes at the strait. Posted by: Pappy 2006-03-15 |
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