Malaysia strengthens defence cooperation to tackle terrorism, militancy

Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Brunei have strengthened cooperation in tackling the threat of terrorists and militants.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the security cooperation was not merely to protect the security of territorial waters but also involved sharing military intelligence information.

Malaysia's cooperation with the countries concerned, among others, was to focus on the waters off Sabah from being trespassed by those suspected to be involved in terrorism and militancy, he told reporters after opening the Royal Malaysian Intelligence Corps Veterans Club general meeting here on Saturday.

Hishammuddin said in tackling the threats of terrorists and militants who used the social media and internet, Malaysia surely could not face them alone.

"Regional cooperation is seen to be more effective," he said.

In a related development, he said his ministry, veteran affairs department and the military Veteran's Club would also boost cooperation to tackle the issues.

He said veteran military members, especially from the intelligence corps had wide experience and expertise to help the government.

"We need the cooperation of the veteran members, not only in sharing of knowledge but also to inject enthusiasm in new members based on their experiences in facing crises previously, such as those in southern Thailand and southern Philippines."

Hishammuddin said the expertise and experience of veteran military members could be used to help the nation face threats in the Melaka Strait and Sulu Sea and also monitor the peace process in southern Thailand and southern Philippines which were still underway until today.