MMEA ups security with armed forces on vessels

Pic: The Star

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has upped the ante in the battle against any future hijackings at sea by placing armed personnel on vessels. 

Its director-general, Datuk Ahmad Puzi Ab Kahar, said the placement of armed officers on vessels is determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on whether the ships could be a “possible target” for hijackers.

MISC delivers new auxiliary vessel to the Royal Malaysian Navy

MISC Berhad (MISC) last Friday handed over to the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) the Naval Auxiliary Vessel BUNGA MAS LIMA (BM5), joining the RMN’s current fleet that will be deployed to safeguard the safety of Malaysian waters and strengthen the RMN’s future maritime defense strategy, MISC said in a press release.

A ceremony to commemorate the handing over of the vessel was held recently at the RMN Kota Kinabalu Navy Base, Sabah and attended by representatives from MISC and the RMN. The event was graced by the presence of YBhg. Admiral Dato’ Seri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin, Chief of Navy and Mr. Yee Yang Chien, President/CEO of MISC.

The continuing surge of piracy in South East Asia

The surge of piracy in South-East Asia waters continues as ships passing the Straits of Malacca and Singapore are falling victim to acts of piracy.

Whilst Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia operate anti-piracy patrols in the area, it has limited resources. The sheltered coast and islands also makes it easier for robbers to operate. As piracy rampages on, Indonesia and Malaysia has taken efforts to jointly increase security.

By far, the most significant incident suggests activities going beyond the usual act of armed robbery or theft on board ship.

In command of our seas - Talking with New Royal Malaysian Navy Chief

THE world is changing fast, and so are the security challenges and issues facing our Royal Malaysian Navy.

The new chief of the RMN, however, is taking everything in his stride.

“The Navy must adapt. The security threats are redefining the way we manage modern armies,” Admiral Datuk Seri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin tells The Star at his office in Wisma Pertahanan.

China and Malaysia’s first-ever joint military exercise is an important strategic move

MALAYSIA is in a pivotal position, located midway between two key oceans – the Indian and Pacific. The Strait of Malacca (SOM) is the front yard of Malaysia’s security and is a vital maritime security artery for the country, especially for the movement of naval vessels from the Royal Malaysian Navy’s principal base in Lumut to other parts of the country.

The National Defence Policy of Malaysia 2010 demarcates the strait, including its entrance and exit, as geographical areas of Malaysia’s vital interests.

MAST welcomes Malaysia move on regional ship security

Maritime security company MAST has welcomed the Malaysian initiative to consider regional cooperation and armed guards on board ships as a step in the right direction but warns that the burden of responsibility will still be with shipping companies to protect their assets and crews.

Missing MV Sah Lian found, crew safe

KUALA LUMPUR: The MV Sah Lian, which had been reported missing in the South China Sea since Sept 7, has been found.

Sarawak Region enforcement chief Maritime First Admiral Ismaili Bujang Pit said, the cargo ship was located at around 4pm Thursday approximately 30 nautical miles from Miri.

Indonesian Navy nab Malaysian ship hijacking suspect

31 August, Jakarta: The Indonesian Navy has detained the suspected mastermind behind the hijacking of Malaysian oil tanker, MT Orkim Harmony. Local English newspaper, The Jakarta Post quoted Navy spokesman Col M. Zainudin as saying the Navy’s Western Fleet Quick Response (WFQR) IV team had nabbed the Indonesian suspect at an apartment in Grogol Petamburan, West Jakarta on Thursday. 

RMN Collaborates with Indonesian Navy to Form Quick Response Tteam

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) with the cooperation of the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) will set up a Quick Response Team to act swiftly against criminal cases in the seas.

Navy Chief Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar said it would comprise a special marine force from both countries which would be based in Tanjung Pengelih, Johor and Tanjung Pinang, Indonesia.

Malaysian Hijacked Oil Tanker Rescued, Pirates Flee

Kuala Lumpur, 19 June 2015 -- Pirates who hijacked a Malaysian oil tanker last week have fled on the ship's lifeboat after being pursued by a Malaysian navy ship, officials said Friday.

Navy chief Abdul Aziz Jaafar said the eight pirates, believed to be Indonesians, abandoned the MT Orkim Harmony late Thursday. All 22 crew members were safe, except for an Indonesian cook who was shot in the thigh, Abdul Aziz tweeted.

He said three navy ships and two helicopters are searching for the pirates. The ship is sailing back to Malaysia's northern Kuantan port, escorted by a naval ship, he said.

The tanker, carrying 7.5 million liters (2 million gallons) of gasoline worth 21 million ringgit ($5.7 million), was headed to Kuantan when communications were lost June 11. The crew consisted of 16 Malaysians, five Indonesians and a Myanmar national.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency said earlier that the ship was detected in waters off southern Vietnam late Wednesday and had been repainted black from blue. Abdul Aziz also tweeted pictures of the tanker, showing some letters of the name of the ship painted over to give it a new name, "Kim Harmon."

He said the eight pirates were armed with pistols and machetes, and spoke with Indonesian accents.

The maritime agency said the hijacking was believed to be the work of a syndicate targeting vessels for their cargos of fuel. It said this was the fifth theft in waters off southern Malaysia this year.

It was the second tanker hijacked this month. Another Malaysian tanker carrying diesel fuel was hijacked June 4 in the same area and was released after its fuel was siphoned off.

Maritime officials have said it is more difficult to steal gasoline because it is highly flammable and requires special safety equipment.

The International Maritime Bureau says attacks against small tankers off Southeast Asia's coasts have been rising since last year.

Pirates have been particularly active near Indonesia's Bintan island and in the South China Sea, where 11 vessels were hijacked last year, the bureau said. (AP)