The Recaap Information Sharing Center (ISC) recently convened a dialogue with shipping industry representatives to address the alarming rise in armed robbery incidents against vessels in the Malacca and Singapore Strait (SOMS). From January to June 2025, 80 incidents were reported, a significant increase from 21 during the same period in 2024. Most of these incidents involved thefts aboard ships, with perpetrators not causing harm to the crew.
Participants expressed their concerns over this surge and emphasized the urgency of reporting such incidents to local law enforcement promptly. They also discussed case studies on unauthorized boardings and deliberated on effective security measures to deter future incidents. Strategies included implementing Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) for evidence gathering and increasing security personnel during nighttime transits.
Executive Director of Recaap ISC, Vijay D. Chafekar, highlighted the seriousness of the situation, noting that almost half of the world’s maritime trade passes through these waters. He stressed the need for effective responses from SOMS authorities.
During the dialogue, the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore shared insights on inter-agency cooperation against maritime robberies, while the Information Fusion Center and Singapore Police Coast contributed recommendations to enhance security in the region.
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