PIRACY ATTACKS IN STRAITS OF MALACCA

Mr Chay Wai Chuen asked the Minister for Communications and Information Technology what steps are being taken bilaterally or multilaterally to address the concerns of shipowners and crewmen regarding the increase of piracy attacks on vessels passing through the Straits of Malacca, bearing in mind the significant maritime and commercial interests of Singapore.

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, as a maritime nation and a responsible member of the international maritime community, Singapore takes a serious view against piracy and armed robbery against ships. As the major sea-lanes are our economic arteries, Singapore's trade will be affected if piracy causes ships to bypass our main shipping lanes. Piracy also poses serious threats to life at sea and could endanger navigational safety.

As a result of the coordinated efforts of various Government agencies, we have been effective in addressing the problem of armed robberies within our waters. Since 1991, there has not been a single case of sea robbery in Singapore's waters. However, our territorial waters form only a small part of the main shipping lanes. Piracy incidents outside our waters could still pose a threat to our international trading activities.

At the bilateral level, Singapore has been working closely with Indonesia to address the problem in the Singapore Straits that straddles both Singapore and Indonesian waters. The law enforcement agencies of both countries established the Indonesia-Singapore Coordinated Patrol (ISCP) to curb sea robbery in the Singapore Straits. The ISCP efforts include the regular exchange of information, effective operational channels of communication, as well as cross border pursuits. The ISCP was also held up at the 1999 International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Piracy Regional Seminar in Singapore as a possible model for other countries to emulate.

Singapore also supports multilateral efforts to combat piracy and armed robbery against ships in the region. We worked with the Japanese to conclude the "Tokyo Appeal and Model Action Plan" to strengthen counter measures and co-operation among coast guard agencies, maritime administrations and shipping community in combating the problem in the region.

We also actively support the IMO's efforts in formulating cooperative arrangements among neighbouring countries to deal with piracy and sea robberies in the Malacca Straits and South China Sea region. We assisted the IMO in hosting and organising an anti-piracy seminar for the Asian region in February 1999 and a follow-up regional meeting in March 2001 aimed at promoting and enhancing regional cooperation.

The shipping community has a part to play in the fight against piracy and armed robbery. MPA issues Port Marine Circulars to the shipping community advising them on measures to reduce the risk of piracy and sea robbery attacks. Such measures include an anti-attack plan that covers the need for enhanced surveillance, detection equipment, and radio and alarm procedures in the event of an attack.

Piracy and hijacking are transnational crimes that require the coordinated efforts of governments and affected parties. A useful instrument that establishes the ground rules and legislative framework for co-operation among states is the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Act at Sea, or more commonly known as the Rome Convention, which the IMO has urged member states to accede to. Singapore has decided to accede to the Rome Convention. We will do so after the enactment of the necessary legislation.