SIBU: Malaysian waters, particularly the busy Straits, have seen a significant increase in low-level boardings and thefts in early 2025.
However, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said that although no major hijackings have occurred, vessels remain vulnerable to opportunistic intrusions.
“I urge authorities and shipping operators to work collaboratively to bolster defences through vigilance, reporting and shared maritime patrols,” he said in a speech delivered at the Anti-Piracy Forum 2025.
The event was jointly organised by the Sarawak and Sabah Shipowners Association (SSSA) and the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP), here on Wednesday (Aug 6).
Lee was represented by Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, who delivered his speech.
According to Lee, piracy is not a problem that any single nation can solve alone as maritime threats are transnational in nature and require an equally integrated response.
He called upon regional partners to continue joint patrols, legal harmonisation and real-time surveillance collaboration.
In addition, he urged shipping companies and seafarers to maintain high levels of vigilance, adopt best management practices and report all suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
He also called upon all federal and state enforcement agencies to strengthen collaborative efforts in enforcing regulations and monitoring coastal waters to ensure safety from piracy and enhance protection for all vessels navigating the region.
“Let us reaffirm our shared commitment to protect our seafarers by upholding the rule of law at sea and ensuring our maritime domain remains a space of peace, prosperity and free navigation.
“Together, through innovation, intelligence and integration, we can push piracy further into the past.”
Meanwhile, Lee noted that the Sarawak government remains fully supportive of the maritime industry by fostering a conducive policy environment that encourages sustainable growth.
He said the government is taking bold steps to revisit and reform regulatory frameworks to better support local shipping players, ensuring greater efficiency and long-term benefits.
He added that his ministry is currently in the initial stages of reviewing the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1960 (Sarawak) to ensure it remains relevant and aligned with developments in the shipping sector.
He also said the ministry has been appointed as a member of the Maritime Law Review and Reform Committee (MLRRC) representing Sarawak.
The committee, endorsed by the Federal Cabinet, is tasked with reviewing and reforming all existing maritime laws.
“Through this representation, we believe the review and reform processes will be fair and that our interests will be considered.
“I am pleased to acknowledge the visionary leadership of the SSSA, which has forged strong bonds with our neighbouring partners such as ReCAAP.
“This collaboration reflects our collective aspiration to shape a safe, secure, and sustainable maritime future for Sarawak and the wider region.
“As we gather here today, let us take full advantage of this meaningful engagement to foster new partnerships, enhance our shared understanding and achieve tangible outcomes that benefit not only our respective nations but the entire maritime community.”
Among those present were Malaysia Shipowners Association chairman Mohamed Safwan Othman, SSSA chairman Yong Ing Huong and ReCAAP assistant director Kwon Soon Tae.
