Regional security forces are responding rapidly to a surge in piracy attacks and armed robberies at sea around the Malacca and Singapore straits, including with collaborative patrols, increased monitoring and deployment of advanced technology.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, 27 incidents were reported in the area, up from seven incidents during the same period in 2023. Meanwhile, 17 attacks were reported between January 1 and February 25, 2025, compared to six such incidents during the same period in 2024, according to Safety4Sea, a maritime industry publication.
The attacks typically involve a few armed intruders boarding vessels from small boats at night to steal items such as engine spare parts, ropes and crew members’ belongings, according to Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF). In December 2024, for example, a crew member aboard a tanker heading to Singapore was injured by an assailant armed with a knife as another intruder attempted to climb aboard the vessel.
Maritime security forces in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore are countering the rise in such incidents, which authorities believe is partly driven by economic pressures stemming from significantly lower fish catches due to severe monsoon-season weather.
The Malaysia-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol Operation from February 19 to March 1, 2025, strengthened maritime security and enhanced interoperability between the two navies, according to Bernama, Malaysia’s national news agency. Two patrol vessels, a corvette and a minesweeper conducted joint patrols, shared intelligence, and coordinated responses to smuggling, intrusions and cross-border crimes.
“The straits account for over 25% of global maritime trade, with more than 150,000 ships passing through annually,” said First Adm. Ahmad Sapuan Fathi Muhammad, deputy commander of Malaysia’s Western Fleet. “These joint patrols have a positive impact on security and the well-being of the maritime community.”
Singapore, meanwhile, is incorporating emerging technologies to counter threats in its busy waterways.
The city-state’s Coast Guard Special Task Squadron is deploying innovative tools, such as the Diodon drone and the Spyder hull-climbing robot, to enhance surveillance and tactical operations, Singapore’s national police reported in January 2025. The waterproof drone provides real-time aerial footage, improving situational awareness and reducing the need for high-risk engagement. The Spyder autonomously scales vessels to deploy ladders for rapid and covert boarding.
The Republic of Singapore Navy recently deployed the Maritime Security Unmanned Surface Vessel to enhance surveillance and reduce risks to personnel. The autonomous patrol vessel integrates advanced navigation systems, collision avoidance algorithms, and a robust command, control and communications system for remote operations.
Additionally, the Singapore-based Information Fusion Centre collaborates with other maritime agencies to issue advisories to shipping companies. “Effective maritime security requires strong cooperation between agencies and the shipping community,” according to MINDEF.
Despite the recent rise in attacks, the straits are more secure than in decades past, when organized gangs hijacked vessels and kidnapped crews for ransom, according to Dr. Collin Koh, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. The Malacca Strait Patrols (MSP), a maritime security initiative launched in 2004 by Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, and later joined by Thailand, deserves much of the credit for the overall decline in piracy and other transnational threats, Koh told FORUM.
“The formalization of the Malacca Strait Patrols brought together multiple components, including the Malacca Strait Sea Patrol, the Eyes-in-the-Sky aerial initiative and an intelligence exchange group,” he said. “Despite high-profile reports of piracy incidents, MSP has fostered a strong culture of multinational maritime cooperation. We’ve seen how quickly Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore can coordinate their naval and enforcement agencies to respond to threats.”
Regional Security Forces Strengthen Anti-Piracy Efforts Amid Surge in Attacks
[Dateline] – In response to a recent resurgence of piracy threats, regional security forces have intensified maritime patrols, enhanced intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and deployed advanced surveillance technologies to safeguard critical shipping lanes.
The move comes after a spike in hijackings, armed robberies, and vessel seizures, particularly in high-risk zones such as the Gulf of Aden, the Strait of Malacca, and the Gulf of Guinea. Authorities attribute the uptick to economic instability, weakened law enforcement in conflict-affected areas, and opportunistic criminal networks exploiting gaps in maritime security.
Key Measures Implemented:
- Increased Naval Patrols: Regional task forces, including coordinated efforts by multinational coalitions, have expanded their presence in piracy hotspots.
- Enhanced Intelligence Coordination: Countries are sharing real-time data on suspicious vessel movements and potential threats.
- Private Sector Collaboration: Shipping companies are adopting stricter onboard security protocols, including armed guards and reinforced citadels.
- Drone & Satellite Surveillance: Unmanned aerial systems and satellite tracking are being used to monitor vast ocean areas more effectively.
Expert Analysis:
Maritime security analysts warn that while these measures may deter attacks in the short term, long-term solutions require addressing root causes such as poverty, political instability, and lack of alternative livelihoods in coastal communities.
The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has urged vessels to remain vigilant and adhere to Best Management Practices (BMP) while transiting high-risk regions. Meanwhile, regional governments are calling for increased international support to sustain anti-piracy operations and prosecute captured offenders.
This crackdown follows a period of relative decline in piracy, underscoring the need for sustained investment in maritime security to protect global trade routes.
