Ships Warned of Theft in Malacca, Singapore Straits
Sea Security Group has warned commercial ships passing through the Malacca and Singapore straits to be alert for possible theft by local people and pirates while traversing Asia's busiest straits, says a report in Jakarta Post.
Based on information from seafarers, the straits were vulnerable to theft by locals using pancung (small wooden boats).
The Indonesian Navy’s Western Armada Sea Security Group commander, Abdul Rasyid Kacong quoted as saying: “According to intelligence data, from January to February there were 17 reports of theft using pancung (small wooden boats) filed by commercial ships moored or sailing in the area.”
According to intelligence data, from January to February there were 17 reports of theft using pancung filed by commercial ships moored or sailing in the area, he said.
The commander said the Navy was stepping up patrols to catch the pirates. The high rate, according to Rasyid, was of concern of the Navy leader who had ordered Guskamla Armabar to act quickly and to strengthen patrols on the Malacca Strait and its surroundings.
On Friday the Sea Rider Western Fleet Quick Response (WFQR) team of the Indonesian Navy arrested six people accused of trying to rob a ship sailing in the Malacca Strait.
"Before being arrested, they robbed a number of commercial ships sailing in and around Malacca Strait, or ships anchored in Batam. They were arrested on Thursday (March 5) at around 5:00 p.m. when they left for Tanjungguncang in Batam," Rasyid said.
The naval officers also seized several tools the gang of ship robbers used to commit their misdeeds, he stated.