KUALA LUMPUR: There has never been a terrorist attack in the Straits of Malacca. And while piracy was a constant nuisance five to seven years ago, it has been all but eradicated now.

This, International Maritime Bureau (IMB) piracy reporting centre head Noel Choong said, is mainly due to increased patrols and surveillance by the littoral states of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

Choong said kudos had to be given to Indonesia for their increased vigilance.

"Indonesia used to be the weak link, but we are pleased with their commitment in fighting piracy now.

"The reduction in piracy is mainly due to their increased patrols."

Pirate attacks used to originate mainly from Indonesia, most often from Aceh.

There were only two attacks last year, both occurring in February, within three days of each other.

In the first, St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged vessel was boarded by pirates armed with guns and knives. They left after grabbing all the cash on board the ship.

The second case was more disturbing.

A Singaporean tug and barge were attacked by a dozen pirates.

They took the ship's navigational equipment, radios and personal belongings of the crew.

They also kidnapped the ship's master and chief officer, only releasing them several days later.

It was believed a ransom was paid.

In an unrelated incident, The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency arrested a gang of six pirates off Tanjung Tohor, Johor last year.

The pirates, believed to be fishermen, were hiding weapons used for sea robberies in their boat. The pirate captain held both Indonesian and Malaysian identity cards.

However, despite the reduction in piracy, the IMB still warns ships plying the Straits of Malacca to maintain strict watches.

-New Straits Times