Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines to cooperate in maritime security control

Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines are expected to cooperate in the control of maritime security soon following positive signs of the three countries.

Deputy Minister of Defence, Datuk Seri Mohd Johari Baharom said immediate implementation of the maritime cooperation was important due to the spate of kidnappings in the Sulu Sea.

"The working committee's job is to streamline the cooperation in maritime security so that it can be implemented as soon as possible.

"Once the maritime security control is implemented, all the problems in the Sulu Sea will be resolved," he told reporters after launching a 'Health Engagement' programme at SK Chini in Kampung Gumum, here, Monday.

The three-day programme was attended by 150 members of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and the navies from Australia, New Zeland, Japan, South Korea and America (US).

During the visit of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to Indonesia recently, Malaysia reached an agreement to expedite cooperation with Indonesia and the Philippines to address kidnappings and piracy in the Sulu Sea.