The Indonesian and Malaysian armed forces agreed today to hold joint exercises in the Malacca Straits to counter piracy and threats of terrorism in one of the world's busiest waterways.

The decision shows both countries are serious in tackling security issues in the straits, said Indonesian military spokesman Achmad Yani Basuki.

Military representatives reached the agreement at a meeting in Indonesia's Bali island, the Jakarta-based Detikcom news service said.

The narrow waterway straddling Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore is notorious for piracy. About half the world's oil supplies move through it on the way to Japan, China and South Korea.

Following procedures

The United States has also expressed fears of terror attacks involving hijacked ships in the straits.

Detikcom quoted Basuki as saying the two countries are also responding to the wishes of foreign countries to help ensure safety for shipping.

The commander of US forces in the Pacific, Admiral Thomas Fargo, suggested in April that US marines and other forces might help patrol the waterway. The US backed away from the suggestion after it raised hackles in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Basuki said one aim of the joint exercises was to ensure that any foreign fleet passing through the strait follows proper procedures.

In July last year, Indonesia's air force deployed fighters to try to intercept five US jets which were said to be flying in the country's airspace over the Java Sea while escorting an aircraft carrier. - AFP