Malaysia has criticised international insurer Lloyd's for continuing to list the piracy-prone Malacca Strait as among the world's most dangerous waterways.

The Malacca Strait has gained notoriety for pirate attacks, but regional officials say that increased joint air and naval patrols by Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore have substantially curbed their activity this year.

Malaysia has repeatedly called for the strait to be taken off a list of 20 areas worldwide - alongside Iraq, Lebanon and Nigeria - deemed security threats to shipping.

The classification last year by Lloyd's Market Association's Joint War Committee, a body that advises members of insurer Lloyd's of London, could result in additional premiums on ships plying the strait.

"We are disappointed. We do not think it is justifiable. It is certainly not backed by facts," Defence Minister Najib Razak said.

Najib said Thailand planned to take part in the Eyes in the Sky (EiS) joint air patrols over the strait, which separates the Indonesian island of Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia and sees one third of world trade pass through it each year.

Military supplies

Operations were launched last September to prevent piracy and terrorism in the busy waterway with craft and crew from Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

"This is a testimony of the confidence that they have in the concept of the Eyes in the Sky," Najib said of Thailand's involvement, adding that it was awaiting parliamentary approval before formally joining.

"It will be something that will be beneficial to all the littoral states to discharge our responsibilities to ensure the safety and security of the Malacca Strait," he told reporters at a defence exhibition.

Najib also presided over the signing of deals worth RM310 million (US$85.11 million) to supply Malaysia's military.

American weapons company Colt Defense is to supply an initial batch of 14,000 rifles for RM70 million, while a Brazilian company will sell rocket launchers at a cost of RM27 million.

Malaysia will also buy 10 PC-7MKII turbo trainer aircaft for RM213 million from a Swiss company.