U.S. Promises to Help Against Pirates in the Straits of Malacca

Details of the cooperation are being planned, after Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore sign a pact in April, which will outline standard operating procedures for maritime security, said Admiral William Fallon, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, which includes U.S. Forces in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

"We are standing by to help. When this agreement is formalized, we will have a better understanding of what contributions the U.S. might provide," said Admiral Fallon in Hawaii.
The admiral, who recently visited the region, would not elaborate on what assistance the U.S. might provide to protect the waterway that is used by 50,000 ships annually, which transports half the world's oil and a third of its commerce.

Regional officials have also said that the U.S., China, Japan, and other countries will be asked to strengthen joint air patrols, which were launched last September by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. They also conduct joint sea patrols.

Malaysia's Chief of Defense, Anuar Nor, spoke alongside Admiral Fallon, and said the U.S. can assist in providing early warnings on possible threats and assist in monitoring and identifying vessels in the straits. He also said that Japan will provide a ship to Malaysia's coast guard agency.

Admiral Fallon said progress is being made in maritime security in the region, noting that Jakarta is building radar sites along its coast.
The number of pirate attacks has declined dramatically in the Malacca Strait last year to 12 from 38 in 2004, but Admiral Fallon noted that the threat of terrorist attack on ships still remains.