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Arroyo: ‘Take next step on Spratlys’ by Michael Lim Ubac
Manila - Philippines—President Macapagal-Arroyo has urged Vietnam and other countries laying claim to the disputed Spratly island chain to take the “next step” in cooperation as she reported promising oil survey results there. The President made the proposal during a state dinner she hosted for visiting Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung late Thursday. Claimants China, the Philippines and Vietnam launched a joint seismic survey two years ago to assess the potential for petroleum development on the seabed beneath the disputed South China Sea chain, also claimed in whole or in part by Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan. “The data-gathering and analysis are expected to finish next year, but already the initial results are promising,” the President said in her speech, the text of which was released by Malacañang on Friday. “We should now explore the possible next steps. This will be the biggest bridge that will bind our 30-year bonds,” she said of the seismic survey, called the Joint Oceanographic and Marine Scientific Research Expedition in the South China Sea. China, Vietnam and the Philippines signed a tripartite agreement for the project in Malacañang on March 14, 2005. The President said the joint undertaking to assess the potential of petroleum development was a breakthrough for the Philippines’ energy independence program and in providing more energy supply for the region. She said it was also a breakthrough for regional peace and security as it was in accordance with the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and China aimed at turning the disputed chain into “an area of cooperation rather than an area of conflict.” Ms Arroyo meanwhile praised Vietnam’s leaders for opening up the communist country’s economy. “Your fearless risk-taking structural change toward strong global engagement did not fail you. Instead it rewarded you with your impressive economic growth,” she said. “You want Vietnam, and we want the Philippines, to actively engage in local, regional and global affairs because that is the future,” the President added. Vietnam joined the World Trade Organization in January and is enjoying rapid growth, with the economy expanding 7.87 percent in the first half of the year. The state dinner last Thursday followed the signing of bilateral agreements in Malacañang in the areas of defense, security, energy, trade, agriculture and fisheries, health, tourism and education. Dung, with his wife Tran Thanh Kiem, arrived on Thursday for a two-day state visit. © 2007 Philippine Daily Inquirer.
India offers maritime package by P. S. Suryanarayana
Manila - India on Thursday unveiled a maritime security package at the 14th annual ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meeting here. The ARF comprises the United States, China, Russia, Japan, India and the European Union, besides the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as also others, including Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said: “India will design and conduct a training module on maritime security, specifically for the ARF member-States, with themes of anti-piracy, search-and-rescue [missions], offshore and port security, anti-smuggling and narcotics control and anti-poaching operations.” The nucleus of the module would be “capacity-building” for these and related aspects of maritime security. On terror-related issues, he said all States should abide by their commitments under the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy adopted by the U.N. General Assembly last September. All States must take practical measures to ensure that their territories were not used for terrorist installations or training camps or for preparation or organisation of terrorist acts against other States or their citizens, he said. India would, in quest of a global peace agenda, “conduct a regular training programme on U.N. peace-keeping, specifically for the ARF member-States.” Mr. Mukherjee emphasised that nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament “are mutually reinforcing” and they “go hand in hand.” Condemning the killing of South Korean hostages by the Taliban in Afghanistan, he pointed out that some Indians engaged in humanitarian and reconstruction activities in that country had fallen victim to the Taliban’s “destructive agenda.” Philippines Foreign Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, who chaired the meeting, told The Hindu that both India and China were seen as “positive” role-players for regional stability. © 2007 The Hindu.
India, Pakistan to work together to help ships in distress
New Delhi - In another step towards building confidence, India and Pakistan on Friday agreed to carry out coordinated search and rescue operations to help ships in distress in their territorial waters. This was decided at the first institutionalised talks here between Rear Admiral Tayyab Ali Dogar of Pakistan's Maritime Security Agency and Vice Admiral R F Contractor of India's Coast Guard, who also evinced interest in sharing information on "matters of mutual importance". Though officials did not spell out these matters, defence ministry sources said it was a reference to the sharing of information on activities like smuggling. The move to conduct coordinated search and rescue efforts, sources said, would be a welcome step as a large number of commercial ships and tankers have run adrift in the Arabian Sea in recent years. The two-day talks, which concluded today, also took up issues pertaining to the violation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by fishermen and procedures for their repatriation with their boats, incidents of pollution in the high seas and natural disasters. The talks focussed on the recurring problem of detention of fishermen in the territorial waters of the two countries, the sources said. According to official figures, nearly 100 to 200 fishermen are detained every year by Indian and Pakistani maritime agencies, mostly along the Guajart coast. Most of these fishermen are held in prison for several months and at times for years before they are repatriated. "Various modalities of dealing with such violations of territorial waters were discussed," an official said, adding that a method was being worked out for the early release of fishermen whose identities are established. The two countries have established a hotline between the Karachi-based head office of the Maritime Security Agency and the Coast Guard here to deal with such issues. Officials said regular communications on the hotline had brought down the number of fishermen apprehended during the last nine months. The Coast Guard and Maritime Security Agency signed a memorandum of understanding on October 3, 2005 which stipulates that the chiefs of the two agencies should meet once a year alternatively in India and Pakistan. © 2007 The Hindu.
LRAD is a better non-lethal weapon by Sharidan M. Ali
A long-range acoustic device (LRAD) is dubbed to be the up and coming non-lethal weapon to stop pirates from approaching commercial ships. The new product, which is distributed by Motion Ventures Sdn Bhd (MVSB) and developed by American Technology Corp, is a hailing directed-acoustic beam device. The equipment emits a loud noise that would cause extreme discomfort to assailants and would eventually make them lose focus. MVSB advisor Andrin Raj said LRAD was developed after the bombing of the USS Cole in 2000. Al-Qaeda suicide bombers had attacked the USS Cole from a small boat at the Yemeni port of Aden. Seventeen sailors were killed and 39 injured. “Commercial ships are not allowed to carry any (lethal) weapon onboard and they usually use high-pressure water shoot to prevent any unidentified object from approaching the ships,” he said in an interview with StarBiz. However, he said, as pirates nowadays carried automatic weapons such as AK47s and hand grenades, using a water hose as a deterrent was ineffective as it could reach only a short distance. “With a LRAD, pirates can be prevented from approaching any ship from 1km away. Moreover, ships will not be violating any maritime rules because LRAD cannot be categorised as a weapon. By nature, it is a loud hailer,” said Andrin. He said the company had promoted the usage of the device to related local authorities last week and had received positive response. Describing the LRAD, Andrin said the device emitted up to 146 decibels (dB) of sound while a normal human could only bear up to 95dB. “It has a standard line-level audio input that accommodates an MP3 player, compact disc player audio preamplifier, tape player and a laptop. “It can also translate a command like 'stop now!' into 60 different languages,” he said. LRAD features a double-flat round panel with the speaker on one side and the control board on the other. The handler will direct the speaker towards the target and will not be affected by the sound. Andrin said the handler would only hear a fraction of the sound blasted towards the target and he would be completely safe. The directionality of this device reduces the risk of exposing nearby personnel or peripheral bystanders to excessive audio levels. The device is also portable and it can be placed at the bow or stern on any type of ship. “To date, LRAD has been used in the second Gulf War by the US Army,” he said. Due to its portability, he said, the device could also be placed on a helicopter or land vehicles to act as a crowd and riot controller as well as for building clearing operation. © 1995-2007 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd.
Maritime 'vulnerable to fraud'
Colombo - Shipping lines, exporters and banks are vulnerable to fraud because it is easy to forge trade documents and break into containers without leaving any signs, warns Pottengal Mukundan, director of the International Maritime Bureau of the International Chamber of Commerce. "Trade finance depends entirely on documents," he told members of Sri Lanka's shipping community at a conference organised by the Sri Lanka branch of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. "Any system which depends entirely on documents will be vulnerable to abuse by money launderers. Any document in a shipping or trade transaction can be forged, and forged with ease." Documents such as bills of lading involving millions of dollars worth of transactions "have no security feature whatsoever," Mukundan said, adding that criminals find them easy to duplicate and even produce the actual document itself. "Getting documents prepared and passed through the banking system is easy," he said. Containers are also a weak link in the system and "a great vehicle for fraud," Mukundan said. "No one really knows what's in a container because it is sealed. It can be used to transport anything – weapons, people, drugs." There are at least five ways to open a container without breaking the seal, he said, and it was even possible to make a container ‘vanish’ by changing its seal number. People trying to get the cheapest freight rate and who do not perform due diligence can find themselves in trouble. "The message underwriters tell cargo owners is don't put your cargo on the first rusting hulk that calls in the port,” Mukundan said. © Lloyd's Register - Fairplay Limited 1999 - 2006.
Military buildup seen hitting China's inroads in Asia
Washington - China may be making huge strides in projecting "soft power" in Southeast Asia amid US preoccupation in Iraq, but the region remains wary of the Asian giant's military ambitions, experts say. Once a US stomping ground, Southeast Asia is seeing greater Chinese involvement in diplomacy, trade, investment, cultural and educational exchanges as well as foreign aid to less developed states. A critical component of China's "soft power" diplomacy is the emphasis on engaging the region as a whole -- unlike the United States, which has focused primarily on bilateral relations. The United States helped set up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a bulwark against communism 40 years ago, but today China is "increasingly the most influential external actor in dealing with ASEAN," said Joshua Kurlantzick, a visiting scholar at the Washington-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Also, unlike the United States, China has acceded to ASEAN's Treaty of Amity and Cooperation -- a non-aggression treaty -- and forged a free trade agreement with the group comprising Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. "This makes it appear like China is more committed to regional free trade, and there has been much less protest in Southeast Asia against the China deal than against some of the deals with the US," said Kurlantzick, author of "Charm Offensive: How China's Soft Power Is Transforming the World." When Washington tightened visa policies after the September 11, 2001 attacks, Beijing moved to aggressively encourage Chinese education in the region -- funding primary schools, setting up Confucian institutes at universities, and offering scholarships and visitor programs for rising Asian leaders, Kurlantzick said. "As a result, China is going to train many of the next generation of ASEAN opinion leaders, who once would have gone to the US or the UK or Australia," he said. Despite China capitalizing on US policy mistakes to boost its charm offensive in the region, President George W. Bush's administration seems unperturbed. "Having more China does not mean less US in Southeast Asia," said US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill. "There is plenty of room for all of us and we don't see China as a 'winner,'" he said. Hill said that Washington was not competing with China "for the hearts and souls of Southeast Asia. "In fact, we want Southeast Asia to have a good relationship with China. We do not see this at all as opposed to our interests." But China is beginning to notice US attempts to counter Beijing's influence, especially amid concerns over Chinese military build-up that could challenge traditional US naval dominance in the region. At a recent seminar on trends in the distribution of military, economic and "soft" power in Asia Pacific hosted by the US-based East-West Center, Chinese participants cited perceived US attempts to build "counter-Chinese coalitions" in the region, an expert said. "Responses to the Chinese arguments, both by Americans and some other Asian participants, were that China's open and positive approach is welcomed and has improved China's image in the region," said Richard Baker, an Asia-Pacific expert at the center. But, Baker, a former US diplomat, said the participants also noted "lingering uncertainties and skepticism as to China's future conduct" with its increasing "hard power." Beijing announced an official military budget of $45 billion for 2007. The US Defense Intelligence Agency however estimates that it is up to three times the amount. More specifically, China's naval buildup is sparking regional insecurities and fueling an arms race according to Stratfor, a leading US security consulting intelligence agency. "The more China focuses on its maritime frontiers, the more alarm bells will sound in East Asia and the United States," the agency said in a recent commentary. Against this growing suspicion, China has to show greater goodwill and respect for its regional partners before its soft power is fully effective in creating a "positive" image in the region, according to some participants at the East-West Center conference. © 2007 Agence France-Presse.
MITI wants transport industry to be more efficient by Sharidan M. Ali
The International Trade and Industry Ministry of (Miti) wants the transport and logistics sector to strive for greater efficiency due to the importance of external trade to the national economy. Deputy minister Ng Lip Yong said that given the significance of trade to the country's economy, injecting better efficiency in the transport and logistics industry would enhance Malaysia’s global competitiveness. “To date, we (Malaysia) are among the top 20 exporters and importers globally and our trade volume has exceeded RM1 trillion last year. “It is all about improving modal connectivity through a seamless system and process flow of goods as well as its documentations,” he said. Ng said this in his keynote address at Northport (M) Bhd's media awareness training programme last Thursday. “We have to plan and manage an integrated transportation process in moving cargo from one point to another in the fastest, most economical and efficient manner. Thus we have to have excellent inventory management and supply chain management systems,” he added. Ng said the Government had given greater emphasis on the transport and logistics sector, as was apparent in the Third Industrial Master Plan (IMP3). Ng, also chairman of the Malaysian Logistics Council (MLC) that was set up in January this year, said the establishment of the council underscored the developments that were taking place in the industry. “The needs for MLC were based on the recommendations under IMP3 which, for the first time, includes a chapter on logistics service sector. “MLC has formed a focus group to look into issues affecting the industry as well as to make recommendations for a research and development initiative.” On the seminar, Ng said it was a good opportunity for members of the media to gain indepth insights on the industry. “I appreciate Northport's initiative in coming forward to educate and promote the port industry to the media,” he said. © 1995-2007 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd.
Muhibbah Marine Engineering gets RM30m order
Petaling Jaya - Muhibbah Engineering (M) Bhd's wholly-owned subsidiary, Muhibbah Marine Engineering Sdn Bhd has been awarded a repetitive order of RM30.3mil from Tanjung Kapal Services Sdn Bhd. Tanjung Kapal is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tanjung Offshore Bhd. In a statement to Bursa Malaysia, Muhibbah Engineering said the contract was for the construction of one unit of tug utility vessel. The vessel was expected to be delivered in 2009. Muhibbah Engineering said the contract was expected to contribute positively to its earnings and net assets of for the financial year ending Dec 31. © 1995-2007 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd.
New proposals to resolve maritime boundary issues by Azlan Othman
Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia are exploring ways to expand cooperation ranging from facilitating smooth border crossing, increasing flight frequencies, expanding the halal industry, Islamic banking, tourism and the possibility of private sectors of both countries to explore business joint ventures in third countries. His is Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi are also keen to solve the longstanding maritime delimitation issue and the Malaysian premier is hopeful of an early settlement. The Malaysian premier highlighted the outcome of the 11th Annual Leaders' Consultation between the leaders during a press briefing yesterday. A Joint Statement issued at the end of the consultation said, the leaders discussed the long-standing issue of maritime delimitation, on which both sides had put forward new proposals, and agreed on the need to resolve the matter urgently. To this end, the leaders instructed the negotiating teams to work out the details. Dato' Seri Abdullah told the media that the frequent travellers card (FTC) will be relaunched September 10, 2007. FTC is currently being used by frequent border hoppers only at the Sungai Tujoh checkpoint bordering Belait and Miri. By using FTC, passports of both nationals will no longer be subject to continuous immigration endorsements. In March this year, senior officials from Brunei and Malaysia met in Penang where 'fan Sri Aseh Che Mat, Secretary-General of Malaysia's Ministry of Horne Affairs highlighted that the first phase of FTC will he a pilot project used in Sg Tujoh. If it succeeds, it will be used in Kuala Lurah, Brunei and Tedungan, Sarawak as well as Pandaruan, Sarawak and Puni, Brunei in August 2007. It would probably be extended at the airports and waters of both countries. "I think that this is a very good move and I hope that this mechanism will ensure a smooth passage for frequent travellers at Malaysia-Brunei border crossings," said Data' Abdullah. Leaders of Brunei and Malaysia also expressed satisfaction with the warm and longstanding friendship between the two nations and underlined the importance of continuing to enhance the close tics that exist between both countries. The two leaders reviewed the overall state of bilateral relations and noted with satisfaction the progress of cooperation in particular in trade and investment, finance, transportation, information and communication technology, defence, health, education and tourism. In this regard, both leaders reaffirmed the commitment to further expand and deepen the bilateral relations based on mutual benefit and respect. Both leaders highlighted the importance for both countries to continue to work together to seek ways and means to expand further growth in bilateral trade and investment. In this regard, the leaders tasked their senior officials to explore ways and means to expand cooperation in areas such as trade facilitation, the halal products industry, Islamic banking and tourism. The two leaders further encouraged the private sectors of both countries to take the opportunity of the close ties between the two countries to further explore possibilities of joint ventures in third countries. The two leaders highlighted the need for both countries to continue working together in facilitating and creating a more conducive business environment especially for the business communities of Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak. The leaders recognised the importance of continuing cooperation in the air services sector and agreed that an increase in flight frequencies and operations between the two countries could further promote tourism and help foster closer friendship and understanding between the two peoples. In this regard, the leaders took note or the ongoing negotiations between the two countries to further explore cooperation in this sector. The two leaders noted the signing of the Heart of Borneo Declaration which they had endorsed during the Asean Summit in Cebu City. Philippines, January 12 and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate in transboundary management of forest resources and conservation of a network of protected areas, productive forests and other sustainable land uses. They also looked forward to the forthcoming BIMP-EAGA Summit in November in Singapore. The leaders expressed support for Singapore's preparations of the 13th Asean Summit especially its theme of "Energy, Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development" for discussions at their meeting. The leaders particularly looked forward to receiving the final draft of the Asean Charter in Singapore and its endorsement by Asean Heads of State/Govemment. Both leaders were of the view that the Charter will strengthen Asean by making it more effective and responsive; making Asean a more rules-based and people-oriented organisation and creating a culture that honours obligations and is held accountable for non compliance. The two leaders exchanged views on regional and international matters of mutual concern. With regard to the ongoing crisis in Darfur, Sudan, both leaders welcomed efforts by the international community to help resolve the conflict and welcomed the decision of the UN to form a Hybrid United Nations-African Union H.INAMID) peacekeeping force for Darfur. The government of Malaysia, if invited, will consider at an appropriate time its participation in UNAM ID. The two leaders continued to encourage international efforts to bring peace and stability to the Middle Fast, in particular the people of Palestine. The two leaders also urged the international community to continue to find ways to assist the people of Iraq in determining their own haute. Both leaders agreed that this goal could only be achieved through a comprehensive political settlement and with the participation of all major ethnic and religious groups in the Country. Both leaders expressed support for the ongoing efforts by the OIC in identifying the challenges and needs of the Muslim Ummah. They also expressed hope that the review of the OIC Charter will help make the OIC more responsive and relevant to the needs and challenges facing the Muslim Ummah of the 21st century'. His Majesty presented both his personal congratulations to Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and those of the government and people of Brunei to all Malaysians on the 500 anniversary of their independence. His Majesty paid tribute to half a century of outstanding achievements by the Malaysian people in building the nation. These, His Majesty added, have not only brought economic and rapid progress and rapid social developments at home but have enabled Malaysia to become a highly respected leader among developing countries throughout the world. The leaders agreed to hold the 12th Annual Leaders' Consultation in Malaysia next year. © 1999-2005 Brudirect.com.
Pakistan, India review implementation of MOU on Maritime cooperation
New Delhi - Pakistan and India reviewed the implementation of Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime cooperation during the talks held between the delegations of Maritime Security Agency of Pakistan and Indian Coast Guard here on Thursday. The MOU was signed between Maritime Security Agency of Pakistan and Indian Coast Guard in October 2005 to establish communications with each other. On the conclusion of the first day talks on Thursday, an official of Pakistan High Commission told APP that the talks which were held in a cordial atmosphere discussed various matters relating to plight of fishermen, repatriation of fishing boats, poaching, narcotics, smuggling, search and rescue operation and pollution. Rear Admiral Tayyab Ali Dogar, Director General Maritime Security Agency represented Pakistan while R F Contractor, Director General Indian Coast Guard was represented India at the two day talks. The talks will continue on Friday and a joint statement is expected to be issued on the conclusion of the talks, the official said. Under the MOU, such talks will be held once a year. In November last year, a hotline was established between Maritime Security Agency of Pakistan and Indian Coast Guard. Before going into the talks, Real Admiral Tayyab Ali Dogar called on Indian Defence Secretary and Indian Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Suresh Mehta. © 2007 Associated Press of Pakistan.
Pirates attack ship in Malacca Strait by Preciosa Dumlao
Kuala Lumpur - A barge carrying the Malaysian flag, was attacked by armed pirates off the Malacca Strait and kidnapped two of its Indonesian crew, in the first high sea kidnapping in the busy strait in more than two years. Noel Choong, head of the International Maritime Bureau said the incident occurred late Monday. The attack is also the third incidence reported in the strait this year, although this was the first time since July 2005 that the ship crew were kidnapped. Reports said the barge came from Penang state in northern Malaysia and was en route to Belawan, Indonesia to delivery steel billets when 10 heavily-armed pirates came on board. The pirates destroyed all communication equipment of the ship and took two Indonesian crew before leaving. The Indonesian crew were the ship's master and chief engineer. Choong said, "There are no demands for ransom yet but we are concerned that this could be the start of a series of kidnap and ransom cases like what we see before July 2005. We hope the Indonesian authorities will take immediate action to contain this problem." Seafarers have been complaining of hijackings and robberies in the Malacca Strait which covers Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. Some 65,000 vessels pass through the Malacca Strait each year, carrying half the world's oil and more than a third of its commerce. © AHN Media Corp.
Pirates return to Malacca Straits
KUALA LUMPUR 14 August – Pirates with firearms have attacked a barge in the Malacca Straits and taken the captain and chief engineer hostage. The attack took place at 1915 local time yesterday as the barge was carrying carrying steel billets from Malaysia's northern state of Penang to Belawan in Indonesia. Noel Choong, head of the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy reporting centre in Kuala Lumpur, described the incident to Fairplay as “worrisome”. "We are concerned that pirates have come back to kidnap and hope that Indonesian authorities will contain the problem", he said. Fairplay understands that the pirates have yet to contact the barge owners and make their ransom demands. This tactic, argued Choong, is a ploy by the pirates to keep authorities guessing as to their whereabouts and to prevent security forces taking back the commandeered vessel. The latest kidnapping, according to Choong, is the first such incident in the Malacca Straits since a lull began in July 2005. The Straits carry one-third of the world's shipping and half the world's oil supply. While there is not yet any definite answer as to why the pirates have returned, Choong ascribes it to a possible reduction in patrols by Indonesian maritime craft. © Lloyd's Register - Fairplay Limited 1999 - 2006.
Sepangar Port’s teething problems to be sorted out by month’s end by Muguntan Vanar
The operator of the new RM400mil Sepangar Port is urging all industry players using the port to be patient as it tries to overcome teething problems by the end of this month. Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd made the appeal in a statement after local shipping players voiced their frustrations over the administrative decisions that were causing delays in containers moving in and out of the port, which began operations on June 1. Sabah Ports, a subsidiary Suria Capital Bhd, said it had foreseen teething problems in the transition from the Kota Kinabalu Port to Sepangar Port and held discussions with port users, who could understand the related problems. “We sincerely appeal to all stakeholders to bear with us until the end of August, and we anticipate all teething problems would be fully addressed,” Sabah Ports added. A sudden decision by Sabah Ports on Aug 1 to stop allowing empty containers into the port without a shipping order sparked off protests by Kota Kinabalu Forwarding Association and the West Coast Lorry Transport Association which complained that ad hoc decisions were forcing their members to sustain losses. The Sabah Ports statement explained that the move was to mitigate and address various problems, including congestion at the port. “We admit that the practice of allowing empty containers (MTs) into the port area without a shipping order (a practice carried over from the Kota Kinabalu port) encourages shippers to make the port premises their depot,” it said. Sabah Ports said that the practice was not a norm for the industry and was disadvantageous to the operator as it caused congestion in the port area. The result is an operational delay related to clearance of containers in and out the port. The incident highlighted by the transporters was actually a direct consequence of a new system being implemented at the Sepangar Container Port in order to resolve the main problem of congestion and slowness in operations and general inefficiency experienced at the port. The company said that with effect from Aug 15, all MTs would only be accepted with a shipping order and it had informed all relevant forwarders and shipping agents. © 1995-2007 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd.
Sri Lanka urges maritime security boost at ARF
Manila - The international community must step up efforts to safeguard maritime security in the face of terrorist threats, Sri Lanka said here on Thursday. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said sea lanes, air space and territories were vulnerable to attack and that the world must focus more on securing the oceans. He was speaking to reporters after ministers at the ASEAN Regional Forum, Asia's main annual security meeting, restated the importance of tackling maritime threats. "Ensuring maritime security is a dimension that has assumed importance, given the ability of terrorist movements to disrupt the free flow of trade through the high seas," said Bogollagama. He said it was the "collective responsibility of the international community" to improve security in Southeast Asia's Malacca Strait, through which about half the world's oil supply passes. Sri Lanka faces its own sea-borne threat from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, which is campaigning for a separate state for minority Tamils. (AFP) © Lanka Business Online.
Turtles end up as exotic dishes? by Nor Shamsiah Mohd
Kuala Terengganu - Despite the various campaign on conservation of turtles, this marine life form is facing serious threats against its existence. The turtles are being hunted down for its eggs, and it is no secret that turtle meat has made its way to restaurant selling exotic dishes. The seizure of tens of turtles from a China fishing trawler which had encroached the waters of Sabah last April is the evidence that turtle meat is in high demand in the international market. According to studies, four of the world's turtle species can be found in the waters of Malaysia. Hence, it is no surprise that foreign fishermen dare to encroach the country's exclusive economic zone just to hunt for this amphibian life form, which fetch a high price in the market. Penyu Belimbing (Leatherback - Dermochelys Coriacea), penyu Agar (Green turtle - Chelonia Mydas), penyu Lipas (Olive Ridley - Lepidochelys Olivacea) and penyu Karah (Hawksbill - Eretmochelys Imbricata) are the four turtle species known to land at beaches in Malaysia.
TURTLE'S LIFE
According to the Terengganu Fisheries Director, Munir Mohd Nawi, a female turtle is considered matured when it reaches the age of 30. It is capable of laying eggs from the age of 50. "The turtle usually returns to lay eggs at the spot where its mother used to land, as this amphibian is loyal and has a strong memory," he told Bernama here recently. The turtle would usually take two to three hours to look for a nesting spot. After finding an ideal location, it begins to dig and after a hole is ready, the turtle starts to lay eggs. A turtle is capable of laying between 60 and 140 eggs each time, depending on the species. After laying eggs, the turtle will cover its nest, trying to camouflage it hoping that predators would not be aware of its existence.
SURVIVAL
Munir said this stage marks the start of the turtles' struggle for survival. The eggs are under not only threat from natural enemies like crabs, but also from a much bigger danger -- humans who like to hunt for the eggs. "The eggs will take about 45 to 70 days to hatch depending on the turtle's fertility," he said. Meteorological factors determine the sex of the soon to hatch turtles. Eggs in nests exposed to bright sunlight at temperatures between 29 and 32 degrees Celsius are likely to produce female turtles. As for eggs in nests at cooler spots like that under the shade of trees, with temperatures at between 27 and 29 degree Celcius, will produce male turtles. "The young turtles would later emerge from the nests and rangers would release them to the sea," he said.
TURTLE CONSERVATION
According to studies, only one out of the 10,000 young turtles released at sea is able to survive as in the ocean, they face many dangers like becoming the prey of fish and fishermen. Realising that the turtles are faced with extinction if no conservation effort is carried out, the Turtle Marine and Ecosystem Centre (Tumec) had initiated conservation measures as provided by the State Turtle Enactment 1951 (Amendment 1987). Via this programme, measures like turtle nesting area management, hatching and releasing, population monitoring, supervision and enforcement as well as public education and awareness are held. Under the turtle nesting area programme, 33 turtle egg laying zones have been identified and villagers are hired to assist authorities to patrol these areas, guarding them against poachers. Munir said there were five Leatherback landings recorded last year (376 eggs). There were also 2,522 Green Turtle landings (224,719 eggs), and four Hawksbill landings (323 eggs). No landings by the Olive Ridley turtles were recorded. "Compared to 2005, there was only one Leatherback landing that produced 90 eggs, 1,188 Green Turtle landings (101,326 eggs), eight Hawksbill landings (992) eggs) and no Olive Ridley landings," he said. The Fisheries Department also buy the turtle eggs from 15 authorised turtle egg collectors at RM2.50 each for Leatherbacks (RM2.50 each), Green Turtle (RM1.70 each), Olive Ridley and Green turtle (RM2.00 each). © 2007 BERNAMA.
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$10M plea deal in Selendang Ayu case
Anchorage - Singapore-based IMC Shipping has agreed to pay a $10M fine for environmental damage caused by the break-up of its cargo vessel Selendang Ayu in Alaska waters. The US Department of Justice yesterday revealed the deal that closes its case over the 8 December 2004 grounding of the 72,937dwt bulk carrier. The incident is being termed the second-worst maritime environmental disaster in the state’s history, only following the Exxon Valdez. Clean-up of the 1,100 tonnes of spilt oil was only completed last summer. "It was an extremely difficult clean-up," Gary Folley, who oversaw the effort for the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, told the media. In addition to the oil, the vessel’s cargo of 60,000 tonnes of soybeans still litter the seabed off Unalaska Island, where the ship broke up after drifting following a loss of engine power. The plea deal must still be accepted by the presiding judge and does not end IMC’s legal worries from the casualty, as civil fines remain to be levied by state and federal agencies involved in the clean-up. Six crewmen perished in the incident while being evacuated by a USCG helicopter that was struck by a wave. Twenty others were successfully rescued. © Lloyd's Register - Fairplay Limited 1999 - 2006.
Action urged against Malacca Strait pirates
An international maritime watchdog has urged authorities to move swiftly to prevent another series of pirate attacks in the Malacca Strait following a kidnapping this week. On Monday, 10 heavily armed pirates boarded a barge carrying steel billets from Malaysia's northern Penang state and seized the ship's master and engineer. The gunmen left six other crew members unharmed, but destroyed the barge's communication system before fleeing. The head of the International Maritime Bureau's reporting centre in Kuala Lumpur says the attack is the third in the waterway this year, but it is the first time in two years crew members have been kidnapped. The bureau warns that, if unchecked, the situation has the potential to deteriorate into something similar to Somalia where pirates frequently board and hijack ships. © ABC 2007.
China must be transparent on naval buildup says US
China must be more transparent about its military intentions and naval buildup in the Asia-Pacific to ease strategic concerns, U.S. Navy Secretary Donald Winter said Aug. 15 during a visit to Australia. “We continue to take a look at China and try to understand what the Chinese intent is,” Winter told reporters in Canberra. “The level of transparency comes up all the time, and we’re trying to understand not only what it is that they’re doing, but why they are doing it.” China and the U.S. have long sparred over the nature of China’s military development, with Washington saying it is trying to project its growing power and Beijing maintaining its armed forces are geared for self-defense only. In March, China said it would boost defense spending by 17.8 percent to about $45 billion this year, but a Pentagon report said in May that Beijing’s total military-related spending could more than double that. China’s navy is rapidly modernizing and transforming from a coastal force into a blue-water naval power with more than 20 new amphibious assault ships and nuclear-powered attack submarines. A new type of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine equipped with sea-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles is currently undergoing sea trials. Australia, a close U.S. ally, has regularly distanced itself from American concerns that China’s military and economic rise was likely to stir regional conflict. But a recent Australian defense paper said China’s buildup could create instability. Two Chinese naval ships are to visit Sydney in September to hold a joint rescue exercise with Australia and New Zealand to boost military coperation. Winter said a new theater defense missile under development by the U.S. and Japan, which could be deployed on a new fleet of Australian navy destroyers, would boost regional stability. “It is a defensive system, it is a defensive concept. Hopefully it represents a stabilizing construct,” he said. © 2007 Agence France-Presse. © DefenceTalk.com.
Malacca Strait pirates kidnap two seamen in raid
Kuala Lumpur - Pirates in the busy Malacca Strait have kidnapped the captain and chief engineer of a Malaysian-registered tug in the first such case in the congested waterway since 2005, a newspaper said on Wednesday. Piracy in the narrow sea lane that carries 40 percent of the world's trade has fallen sharply after two years of joint air patrols and coordinated sea patrols by the four nations lining the Strait. But the threat still remains. On Tuesday, 10 armed men boarded the tug, which was sailing from Malaysia's northern Penang island to the Indonesian port of Belawan, smashing the vessel's communications gear and seizing the mobile phones of its eight crew, the New Straits Times reported. "They grabbed the ship's certificates and then bundled the captain and chief engineer onto their boat and took off," Noel Choong, chief of the piracy reporting center of the International Maritime Bureau, told the newspaper. The pirates did not touch the cargo, a barge load of steel billets the tug was hauling, Choong said. No ransom demand had been made, although the kidnappers usually contacted the ship's owners within a day or two, he said. Choong did not identify the two sailors, except to say they were Indonesian. "The pirates' modus operandi is very similar to their heyday in 2004 and 2005, when there were numerous kidnap-for-ransom cases in the Straits," he added. The Malacca Strait links Asia with the Middle East and Europe. More than 60,000 ships a year traverse the waterway, carrying about 80 percent of the energy supplies of Japan and China. © 1999 – 2007 The China Post.
Malaysia, Brunei hope to end maritime dispute
Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia and Brunei have made new proposals to end a long-standing territorial maritime dispute over rich offshore oil reserves, a report said Tuesday (August 14th). Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah discussed the issue of maritime boundary at their annual consultations in Brunei, national news agency Bernama said. "Both sides had put forward new proposals, and agreed on the need to resolve the matter urgently. They instructed their negotiating teams to work out the details," according to a joint statement carried by Bernama. The statement, issued during Abdullah's visit to Brunei, did not give details of the progress. Oil and natural gas-rich zones lie off the coasts of Brunei and neighboring Malaysia's states of Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo island. Both Malaysia and Brunei have awarded exploration contracts to parts of an undersea site with potentially large oil reserves a few years ago. But exploration activities have since stalled because the countries discovered that some of the areas overlap. The sites are keenly contested, with both countries having had limited success in finding oil in recent years _ even as output declines from their mainstay fields. Brunei, especially, relies heavily on oil and gas export revenue to support its economy. (AP) © 2007 Sinchew-i Sdn Bhd.
Malaysia proposes partnership with RP to tap cruise ship tourists
Tourism stakeholders in Malaysia have expressed their willingness to forge ties with tourism players in the Philippines to capitalize on the market of cruise ship travelers. “We share common waters, the South China (sea). It’s a very good playground for cruising and yacht sailing,” said Dato’ Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, Malaysian Tourism director general. Taiyab said the sea between Palawan and Sabah, Malaysia, for example, is an ideal location for activities like game fishing and diving, given the rich marine life in the area. “But the Philippines — with (its) beautiful beaches — has more advantage,” he said. Taiyab said developing the market of cruise ship travelers can only be possible if tourism stakeholders in both countries are eager to work together in developing attractive tour packages that will make the Philippines and Malaysia leading destinations for this target group. Taiyab said Malaysia is willing to “put more effort” in forging a bilateral agreement with the Philippines that will push the growth of tourism industries in the two countries. Agreements Already, he said Malaysia has created the Malaysia-Singapore Tourism Council that aims to promote both countries for “mutual benefits.” The Malaysian Government also has an agreement with the Thai Government to create sectors that will address issues on border areas and spur growth in trading and travel. This is why, Taiyab said he is amenable to a unified Asian brand. “Asia, in itself, is a brand. The 21st century is the Asian era with the growth of China and India,” he told a press conference during the Visit Malaysia promotional campaign at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino yesterday. Asia makes up 11 percent of the movement of travelers around the world but this is expected to double in the coming years as more western countries have seen Asia’s potential in terms of business and leisure vis-à-vis history and culture, said Taiyab. He also called on Asean member-countries to promoting the Southeast Asian region as a single leisure destination. Malaysia is one of the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). “What is good about Asean when we don’t know each other?,” Taiyab asked. This is why, Malaysian Deputy Tourism Minister Dato Donald Lim Siang Chai said the Visit Malaysia was created to increase Asean travelers, including Filipinos, to Malaysia. While the Philippines is a new market, “it won’t be long for more Filipinos to travel to Malaysia,” said Chai. Citing official records, Chai said the Philippines is one of Malaysia’s largest tourist market with total arrivals of 211,123 in 2006. In the first three months of this year, a total of 64,102 Filipinos visited Malaysia compared to 48,974 in the same period last year. Malaysia hopes to have 300,000 tourists from the Philippines at the end of 2007. © 2007 Sun.Star Publishing, Inc.
MISC, Precious delay bond issues
Kuala Lumpur - Stock market turbulence has prompted both Malaysia’s MISC and Precious Shipping in Thailand to delay bond issues. MISC chairman Tan Sri Mohammad Hassan Marican told Malaysian media that market conditions were not conducive for the $750 bond issue. Fairplay understands the bond issue is unrelated to an order for eight double-hulled 45,000-dwt chemical tankers placed at South Korea’s SLS Shipbuilding at $430M. However, despite the postponement, MISC will issue sukuk - bonds conforming to Islamic ethical principles to secure finance in an alternative bid. MISC has already postponed two fund-raising exercises, one for US dollars and one for Malaysian ringgit. Bangkok-based Handy-size vessel operator Precious is also holding back a $1Bn bond issue. The company has already finalised a contract for twelve 32,000-dwt vessels with ABG Shipyard in Surat, in India’s western state of Gujarat. The $30M ships would be delivered between 2010 and 2013. Shareholders meet on 30 August to give their approval of the purchase. Precious has credit facilities with Krung Thai Bank and DnB Nor Asia for a total of $550M. © Lloyd's Register - Fairplay Limited 1999 - 2006.
RP-Malaysia partnership urged in tourism product dev’t by Irene Sino Cruz
Cebu City - Though Malaysia and the Philippines are competitors in the global tourism market, the two countries could benefit from developing tourism products such as water-based activities in their common seawaters. Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, director general of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, said Malaysia and the Philippines could develop tourism products that would benefit both countries. Taiyab came to Cebu with Malaysia Deputy Tourism Minister Donald Lim Siang Chai, who is on an official visit to the Philippines from August 13 to 16 to promote Malaysia as a tourist destination. The Malaysian deputy minister said they consider the Philippines a new market with strong growth potential. In 2006, over 200,000 Filipinos visited Malaysia, an increase of 18 percent over 2005 figures. The Philippines also ranked number 10 among Malaysia's tourist market from January to March 2007. Malaysia's Ministry of Tourism is targeting 300,000 tourists from the Philippines this year. Minister Lim said the visit would help enhance cooperative networking between Malaysia and the Philippine industry players and increase tourists going to Malaysia. The two countries could come up with agreements to benefit each other’s tourism industry, Taiyab said. "The other areas we can work [on] with the Philippines is sailing and cruising because we share common waters," Taiyab said. He suggested such activities as game fishing as well as yacht and cruise sailing as having potential for development. "South China Sea is a very good playground, with its strong winds and beautiful coral islands," Taiyab said. Taiyab also noted that the Philippines could still benefit from the growing tourism arrivals expected in Asia. The World Tourism Organization projected that the East Asia and the Pacific would attract 397 million of the 1.5 trillion tourists by 2020. He also said Malaysia could be a good tourism market for the Philippines. The Department of Tourism reported that Malaysian tourists reached 30,767 from January to June this year, up from last year's 24,911 tourists. On the other hand, Tourism Malaysia said there were 64,102 tourists for the first three months of 2007. Taiyab urged the Philippines to undertake promotions in Malaysia since each country has unique attractions. "The Philippines have a more beautiful islands. You have rich marine life, hospitable people," he pointed out. He noted that there has been a lull in Philippine tourism promotion efforts in Malaysia. The Philippines has lagged behind its Asian neighbors. Tourist arrivals for the first six months this year reached only 1.5 million while Malaysia's tourist arrivals for March 2007 alone reached 1.7 million. Other Asian countries, such as Singapore and Thailand, also enjoyed higher tourist arrivals than the Philippines. © 2001-2007 INQUIRER.net - Visayas Bureau.
Terengganu investing RM12m in fish forecasting system
Kuala Terengganu - The Terengganu government is spending about RM12mil on research and development to come up with a fish forecasting system in waters off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia to increase fish catches. Fisheries Director General Datuk Junaidi Che Ayub said the project, which began last year and was expected to be completed in 2010, would determine fishing areas for the setting up of the fish forecasting system. "Fish forecasting technology can forecast potential fishing areas," he said after launching the system at the Marine Fishery Resources Development and Management Department in Chendering here on Tuesday. Also present were Mimos Berhad president and chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Wahab Abdullah and National Fishermen's Association (Nekmat) manager Norizaman Ghazali. Junaidi said the research project was undertaken jointly by the Fisheries Department, Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia, Malaysia Centre for Remote Sensing, Nekmat and Mimos. He said the project would be extended to waters off Sabah and Sarawak as well as the Indian Ocean if it achieved its objectives. The forecasting system, to be named IKANG, the abbreviation for Ikhtiar Ke Arah Nelayan Gemilang (Striving Towards Shaping Fishermen of Distinction), is divided into five components. The components are gathering of marine data, compilation of sea surface data via satellite, database development, model development and dissemination of information to fishermen. © 1995-2007 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd.
Thailand set to join Malacca patrols
Thailand was ready to join the international marine patrol mission to ensure sealane security in the Straits of Malacca, according to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont. Gen. Surayud Chulanont told the visiting Singapore Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean that Thailand and Singapore have had strong and close relations formany years and that the country is prepared to be part of the joint naval patrols to secure the Straits of Malacca from international piracy. The three littoral states – Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore – reportedly planned to invite Thailand to participate in the joint patrol in order to have more "eyes" to guard one of the busiest international shipping lanes in the world. The Thai prime minister also hailed the realisation on the part of ASEAN members that cooperation the members states on shipping lanes security is important for all. "The first ASEAN Defence Ministers meeting was held recently to plan the role of the member countries on regional security before the ASEAN Summit to be hosted by Singapore late this year," he said. Meanwhile, Mr. Teo expressed Singapore's concerns regarding the deteriorating security situation in Thailand's southernmost provinces. He discussed the ways to ease the violence in the Muslim-majority provinces including using education, and praised the success of the Thai-Singapore student exchange programme. He said the exchange programme was a good foundation for the bilateral relations at youth level. Mr. Teo is visiting Thailand on a three-day working visit which began Tuesday and ended Thursday. While in Bangkok, Minister Teo also called on Defence Minister Gen. Boonrawd Somtas, and met with other senior Thai defence officials. The Singapore defence minister said earlier in a prepared statement that his visit underscores the close and excellent bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and Thailand. The Singapore Armed Forces and the Royal Thai Armed Forces cooperate closely on a broad spectrum of bilateral and multilateral activities, including training exercises and professional exchanges. Such interactions are mutually beneficial, enhancing the professionalism, mutual understanding and camaraderie between the officers and men of the two armed forces. © 2007 The Post Publishing Public Co. Ltd.
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Alaska accident cause disputed
Anchorage - IMC Shipping has agreed to pay $10M in fines and fees over the stranding of the bulk carrier Selendang Ayu, but rejects allegations that poor maintenance led to the ship's grounding. Last week, a federal judge in Anchorage accepted IMC's guilty pleas to three misdemeanour counts of violating the Refuse Act of 1899 and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act – closing the criminal probe into the casualty. But the prosecutor’s assertion that the 72,937-dwt vessel foundered – then spilled 1,100 tonnes of oil and its cargo of soybeans – because of poor maintenance has drawn a rebuttal. “IMC and the US Department of Justice disagree as to whether improper maintenance and operation of the vessel could have led to the development of the cylinder liner crack,” IMC spokesman Jim Lawrence said in a statement. “There was no overdue maintenance as all recommended maintenance work and inspections had been carried out according to the schedule set forth in the manufacturer’s recommendations. In addition, the vessel had a full complement of spare parts when it left Seattle.” Maritime attorney Dennis Bryant – who was not involved in the case – told Fairplay that he is horrified by the prosecutor’s assertion that an “investigation” disclosed maintenance issues. “There has been no investigation because no one has been inside the engine room since the accident,” Bryant emphasised. © Lloyd's Register - Fairplay Limited 1999 - 2006.
Anger over $1Bn Klang bailout
Kuala Lumpur - A $1Bn government bailout will provide Malaysia’s Port Klang Authority a reprieve from its financial woes. The announcement by Prime minister Abdullah Badawi on the bailout represents an about-turn, according to Malaysian opposition leader Lim Kit Siang. “When Abdullah Badawi came into office in 2003, he vowed he would not bail out failing companies," he told Fairplay. "He is now doing the opposite.” The $1Bn bailout is by far the largest any Malaysian government has committed to rescuing a failing enterprise. Port Klang has reportedly racked up debts totalling $1.32Bn. The debts reportedly accrued from the mismanagement of its free trade zone, which in July saw the departure of Dubai-based operator Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, citing “strategic reasons”. At the heart of the imbroglio is Port Kelang Authority's controversial decision to buy development land in the free zone and then offer it to users at a huge discount. Fairplay also understands that PKA has chosen to build a hotel, convention centre and office complex within its premises. © Lloyd's Register - Fairplay Limited 1999 - 2006.
Arbitration key to resolving disputes between states, firms by Osama Habib
Beirut - A leading international arbitrator underlined the importance of international arbitration in settling disputes between governments and private companies. "Sovereign states have the right to take control of a hotel for example, provided that the hotel owners are properly compensated," Hew Dundas, president of UK-based Chartered Institute for Arbitrators told The Daily Star on Wednesday. He suggested that any country which fails to abide by the decisions of international arbitrators may be downgraded by credit-rating agencies. "Governments can do what ever they want as long as they pay compensation," he said. Dundas, who attended a one-day forum on arbitration at the Order of Engineers and Architects in Beirut, highlighted some examples involving legal disputes between certain states and private firms. "Recently a marine salvage company launched a claim against the government of Malaysia. Had this claim been admitted it would have opened up the possibilities of more claims against governments. But the arbitrators decided that there was no claim," Dundas said, hailing the decision by the arbitrators. "There was no doubt in my mind that this was a correct decision on its merits and not because of opening the doors to other claims," Dundas said. But he acknowledged that some governments did not put some convincing arguments at international courts. "Sometimes governments win and other times companies win," Dundas said. He stressed that all cases that are handled by international arbitrators are placed on Web sites for the public to see. "It [arbitration] is transparent as can be," he said, admitting that mistakes do happen. "The British governments make mistakes, the US governments makes mistake and individuals make mistakes. But the international community are not too concerned by isolated mistakes," Dundas said. He declined to comment on some cases between the Lebanese state and firms that operated in the country on the grounds he does not have enough information on these issues. International arbitrators ordered the Lebanese government to compensate former mobile operators Cellis and LibanCell by paying the firms more that $180 million for revoking their contracts prematurely and for attempting to tarnish their image. But Dundas expressed his admiration of the Lebanese judicial system. "I was sitting in the first with top judges and judicial figures in the country during the forum in Beirut," he said. In his speech at the Order of Engineers and Architects, Dundas said Lebanon is qualified to become a regional arbitration center thanks to the trained and qualified judges in the country. © 2007 The Daily Star (Lebanon).
Indonesia submits names of 4,981 islands to UNGEGN
Jakarta - The Indonesian government has handed the data and names of 4,981 islands in the 14 province of the country to the 24th conference of the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN) at the UN headquarters in New York from Aug.20 to Aug.31,2007. In an official statement, the foreign ministry in Jakarta said on Tuesday that the UNGEGN was an institution granting recognition to the legal status of ownership or sovereignty of a country over an island. A UNGEGN resolution guarantees that naming of an island as a geographical element by an authorized national institution is considered meeting international standards. An accurate and consistent toponym will support an effective communication in social and economic activities, such as postal services, trade, population census, education or in disaster handling. Under Presidential Decree No 112/2006, the Indonesian government set up a national team for name standardization to show government’s commitment to support accurate geographical standardization in the country. The team is chaired by the home affairs minister, and members including the defense minister, the foreign minister, and the marine affairs minister, while the national education minister acts as its executive chairman under further coordination of the head of the National Mapping and Survey Coordinating Agency. The team would then proceed with identifying 8,742 islands in 19 other provinces starting in September 2007. The Indonesian government has been actively participating in the activities of UNGEGN including the holding of the third toponym training for the Asia and Pacific region in Batu, Malang, East Java in 2005. Indonesia is now the UNGEGN chairman of the Southeast Asian and Southwest Pacific Division. (Antara) © 2007 JakartaPost.Com.
MIMA: Manfaatkan Permintaan Menggalakkan Utk Perkhidmatan Perkapalan
Kuala Lumpur - Industri limbungan kapal Malaysia mempunyai masa depan yang cerah walaupun terdapatnya banyak cabaran dan saingan dalam industri perkapalan, kata Felo Penyelidikan di Institut Maritim Malaysia (MIMA), Nazery Khalid. "Dengan permintaan global yang kian meningkat untuk perkhidmatan perkapalan yang dirangsang oleh banyak faktor termasuk perdagangan dunia yang menggalakkan, terdapatnya prospek cerah dalam industri pembinaan dan pembaikian kapal dunia yang patut kita manfaatkan," kata beliau pada satu seminar di sini. Beliau berkata pemilik kapal akan memenuhi permintaan ketara untuk perkhidmatan mereka di tahun-tahun akan datang memandangkan limbungan kapal di seluruh dunia akan berhadapan dengan tempahan-tempahan tertunggak. Antara masalah yang dihadapi oleh limbungan kapal tempatan ialah persaingan yang meningkat dari limbungan kapal asing, pertambahan kos komponen dan bahan mentah, kekurangan pekerja mahir, keupayaan teknologi dan ketidakcukupan kemudahan. "Ini semua telah mengurangkan daya saing limbungan kapal tempatan, sekali gus menyebabkan syarikat-syarikat perkapalan Malaysia memulakan pembinaan baru dari limbungan kapal asing serta menghantar kapal mereka untuk pembaikian dan servis di luar negara," kata Nazery. Dalam mencadangkan cara untuk meningkatkan kemampuan limbungan kapal tempatan, beliau menyarankan mereka agar menaik taraf kepakaran pekerja dan mempertingkatkan penggunaan teknologi. "Untuk bersaing dengan gergasi-gergasi industri, kejayaan Korea, Jepun dan China akan menjadi inspirasi kita," kata Nazery kepada peserta seminar. Contohnya, peningkatan kecekapan Korea dan fokus mereka pada segmen-segmen khusus dalam pembinaan kapal patut diteladani sementara limbungan kapal Jepun pula menitik berat mutu yang tinggi dan penggunaan teknologi yang intensif bagi meningkatkan produktiviti mereka, kata beliau. © 2007 BERNAMA.
RI will not allow other countries to escort ships through its water
Denpasar - Indonesia will not accept the idea of allowing Singapore or other countries to act as security guards for international ships passing through the Malacca Strait, especially through parts of the waterway located in its territory, a spokesman said. "Indonesia will object strongly to any security guard escorting ships in its waters," Ibnu Hadi, director for Asia Pacific and Africa Inter-regional Cooperation at the Foreign Ministry, said here on Saturday. Hadi, flanked by Yuhong, director of Asian Affairs at China's foreign ministry, made the statement after attending a regional meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) discussing marine security issues involving 44 participants from 22 countries. He said the Indonesian military (TNI) once escorted a US tanker passing through the Malacca Strait. "Indonesia cannot accept foreign ships escorted by foreign security guards," he said. Security in the Malacca Strait that passes through Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore is fully in the hands of the three countries according to their respective sovereignty. He said the busy international shipping lane was quite safe following coordinated patrols by the three countries so far. All countries using the strait had to have understanding. He said he hoped countries at the meeting would have common perception and would leave the security of the strait to the littoral countries according to their respective sovereignty. (Antara) © 2007 JakartaPost.Com.
RI will not allow other countries to escort ships through its water
Denpasar - Indonesia will not accept the idea of allowing Singapore or other countries to act as security guards for international ships passing through the Malacca Strait, especially through parts of the waterway located in its territory, a spokesman said. "Indonesia will object strongly to any security guard escorting ships in its waters," Ibnu Hadi, director for Asia Pacific and Africa Inter-regional Cooperation at the Foreign Ministry, said here on Saturday. Hadi, flanked by Yuhong, director of Asian Affairs at China's foreign ministry, made the statement after attending a regional meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) discussing marine security issues involving 44 participants from 22 countries. He said the Indonesian military (TNI) once escorted a US tanker passing through the Malacca Strait. "Indonesia cannot accept foreign ships escorted by foreign security guards," he said. Security in the Malacca Strait that passes through Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore is fully in the hands of the three countries according to their respective sovereignty. He said the busy international shipping lane was quite safe following coordinated patrols by the three countries so far. All countries using the strait had to have understanding. He said he hoped countries at the meeting would have common perception and would leave the security of the strait to the littoral countries according to their respective sovereignty. (Antara) © 2007 JakartaPost.Com.
Ten new shipyards for Vietnam
Hanoi - State-owned shipbuilding company Vinashin is to build another 10 shipyards. “We have identified a number of places along the Vietnamese coast,” said a Vinashin spokesman to Fairplay. One, however, will be in central Dung Quat province where there will be a dry dock for VLCCs. The yards, he says, will be built to different sizes and tempered by economic needs and other business considerations. They will be ready by 2010 and will build all types of vessels except LNG and LPG carriers. “We do not have the technology to build LNG and LPG carriers,” he explained, though Vinashin has not ruled out “looking for partners” for LNG construction. Meanwhile, Vinashin will focus on building bulk carriers, he added, citing the strong international demand arising out of the growth in the global economy. When the new yards are built, it will bring Vinashin’s total number of yards to 33. © Lloyd's Register - Fairplay Limited 1999 - 2006.
Thailand to join patrols of Malacca Strait to help boost maritime security
Bangkok - Thailand wants to join three other Southeast Asian countries to patrol the Strait of Malacca in an effort to prevent terrorist and pirate attacks, the Thai prime minister said Saturday. Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore already run coordinated sea patrols in the strait, through which about 65,000 vessels pass through each year, carrying half the world's oil and more than a third of its commerce. Thailand, which has taken part in anti-piracy exercises with the other countries, has long talked of joining the patrols. "Thailand will help take care of security in the Strait of Malacca by joining the patrol," Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said in a weekly televised address after his return from an official visit to Malaysia. He did not say when Thailand might join the patrols. It was unclear how the other three governments would receive Thailand's offer, given that Malaysia and Indonesia have repeatedly expressed fears that joint operations could impinge on their territorial integrity. Spokesmen for the three governments could not be immediately reached for comment. The Strait of Malacca - which runs between Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore and past part of southern Thailand - is notorious for sea piracy. However, the number of attacks has fallen since Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia launched coordinated maritime patrols in 2004 and air patrols a year later. The joint patrols were launched after U.S. leaders voiced concerns about terrorists teaming up with pirates in the region to turn ships into floating bombs. (AP) © 2007 JakartaPost.Com.
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