Australia should not bulldoze through its controversial new maritime security zone plan, a Malaysian official said on Sunday, adding that Canberra must respect the territorial sovereignty of neighbouring countries.

"They cannot bulldoze a plan that does not honour the sovereignty of another country," deputy defence minister Zainal Abidin Zin told AFP , warning that the plan could lead to misunderstandings between Australia and its neighbours.

"They cannot say, for the sake of security, they have the power to intercept ships. We are not happy with the statement showing their supremacy," he said.

Under the plan announced by Prime Minister John Howard on Wednesday, all ships travelling to Australia will be required to provide details of their journey and cargo if they enter the 1,000 nautical mile zone.

Vessels coming within a 200 nautical mile limit of the Australian coast will also be required to give extra details on cargo, ports visited, location, course, speed and intended port of arrival.

Malaysia's waters are not affected by the Australian plan, but Indonesia's Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda on Wednesday criticised the move as a breach of Jakarta's maritime jurisdiction.

Australia's move is similar to steps taken by the United States to raise standards of maritime security amid fears of extremist attacks on ships. Washington has called on its allies to introduce similar measures.

Expressing uneasiness over the plan, Zainal said the security plan could create a problem, adding that "the statement (by Howard) is volatile".