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Pirates need to be deterred - MP

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-12-11 13:11

KUALA LUMPUR -- A Malaysian member of parliament called for beefing up law enforcement patrols to deter pirates in the Malaysian waters, a local newspaper reported on Thursday.

Malaysia's Rompin member of parliament Jamaludin Mohd Jarjis said that the move would also provide confidence to the people and tourists, according the New Straits Times.

Jamaludin made this remark as he commented on a pirate attack on a ship off the east coast of the Peninsular Malaysia, urging Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the marine police to strengthen their presence, the newspaper said.

The daily reported that 10 pirates were seen boarding a coal ship about 10 nautical miles from Pulau Tioman last week, a renowned Malaysian tourism island in Pahang State.

Local maritime law enforcement agency said they had strengthened their monitoring in Pulau Tioman and nearby areas after the incident happened.

Locals and ferry operators were urged to cooperate and keep alert if they saw suspicious foreign vessels or individuals in the vicinity, the paper said.