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Indonesian navy commander warns shipping over theft in the Malacca Straits

Indonesian navy commander warns shipping over theft in the Malacca Straits
An Indonesian navy commander has warned shipping to be alert to the threat of theft and piracy in the Malacca and Singapore Straits.

The Indonesian Navy’s Western Armada Sea Security Group commander, Abdul Rasyid Kacong told the Jakarta Post: “According to intelligence data, from January to February there were 17 reports of theft using pancung (small wooden boats) filed by commercial ships moored or sailing in the area.”

The commander said the Navy was stepping up patrols to catch the pirates.

On Friday the Navy apprehended six pirates boarding a vessel anchored off Batam Island to the south of the Singapore Strait.

Today we foiled a theft, or piracy, attempt conducted by six people, four of whom are notorious pirates,” said Rasyid.