Malacca Strait, Singapore Strait Remain Global Cooperation Model - Transport Minister

By Anas Abu Hassan

SINGAPORE, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- The Strait of Malacca and Singapore Strait are a shining example of what countries can achieve through close collaboration, said Singapore Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow.

He said the waterways exemplify countries working together and committing to the common good in the face of global supply chain uncertainties.

"For over half a century, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore collaborated closely to improve navigational safety in our waters, including in areas with unresolved maritime boundaries.

"Even when there were differences in views, we did not allow these to paralyse cooperation," he said at the launch of the book The Straits of Malacca and Singapore: A Model for the World on Monday.

Siow said all three littoral states had also reaffirmed their recognition that keeping the waterways safe, secure, and open was in everyone’s best interests.

"It is not only the littoral states that benefited. Nearly a quarter of the world’s seaborne trade that passes through the Straits of Malacca and Singapore go through here," he added.

Launched by the National University of Singapore (NUS) Centre for International Law (CIL), the book examines how Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia worked together to successfully manage the straits, balancing freedom of navigation with sovereignty and environmental protection.

The book also highlights Singapore’s pivotal role in shaping regional maritime governance, from its diplomatic leadership in negotiating the groundbreaking transit passage regime at the Third UN Conference on the Law of the Sea to pioneering technical innovations that safely guide vessels through these waters.

-- BERNAMA