Strengthening Maritime Security in the Malacca and Singapore Straits

Singapore’s security, safety, and economic well-being rely on sound governance of the Malacca and Singapore Straits and a continued commitment to maritime domain awareness (MDA). Fortunately, there are proven methodologies, tools, and tactics for improving MDA, as well as incident response and recovery, along these 900-plus combined kilometers.

With offshore oil and gas development, illegal fishing, Exclusive Economic Zone boundaries, piracy, and narcotics trafficking to monitor, maritime security along the Malacca and Singapore Straits is a multifaceted endeavor. 

The straits’ considerable length and narrowness in areas invite security threats and illicit activity. Meanwhile, political tensions in the South China Sea, the possibility of countries reacting with military action, and terrorism remain concerns. Several violent extremist organizations are known to operate in Malaysia and Indonesia, and hundreds of Malaysians and Indonesians are reported to be fighting with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).