Strait of Melaka the safest waters - Liow

The Strait of Melaka is the safest waters, free from piracy threat to ships passing through for various commercial activities.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said there were no cases of pirate attacks in the strait so far this year.

"So far there are no pirate incidents in the Strait of Melaka and the disappearance of the oil tanker MT Orkim Harmony recently did not take place at the strait.

"The Strait of Melaka is a busy sea lane with many ships passing through daily," he told reporters at the open house of Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron at Seri Bendahara here today.

He said unlike the situation in the Strait of Melaka, the government was stepping up efforts to improve security surveillance in South China Sea to ensure the security of ships passing through despite having a comprehensive radar control system in place.