Malaysia Invites Myanmar To Be MSP Observer To Combat Piracy In Melaka Strait

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has invited Myanmar to be an observer in the Melaka Strait Patrols (MSP) initiative to combat piracy in the busy strait. Defence Minister Hishammudin Hussein said the MSP was a coordination of marine and air patrols between the littoral states to combat the threat. "The move will hopefully help Myanmar further develop its knowledge of maritime security, as well as enhance the existing MSP cooperation," he told a press conference in conjunction with the visit of the Indonesian Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu to Wisma Perwira Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (Malaysian Armed Forces headquarters) here Thursday. Hishammuddin said he had informed Indonesia of Malaysia's offer to Myanmar to be an observer in the MSP. The MSP which was launched on April 21, 2006, comprises the Melaka Strait Sea Patrol (MSSP), Eyes in the Sky (EiS) and the MSP Intelligence Exchange Group (MSP IEG). So far, only four nations are involved in the MSP - Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia. The visit of the Indonesian Defence Minister is aimed at strengthening ties in defence issues, and ensuring that the stability and security of the region is preserved. Besides the MSP, Indonesia is also collaborating with Malaysia in patrolling the waters off Sulu in the South China Sea. -- BERNAMA