Three sea robbery cases in straits of Malacca and Singapore over a week in November

ReCAAP ISC said that although there was a significant decline in sea robbery cases from January to October, it warned that the recent spike may herald the possibility of further incidents.

In 2025, the number of piracy and armed robbery cases on ships in the straits of Malacca and Singapore rose to 108 – the highest in 19 years from 2007 to 2025.

The figure represented a 74% increase from the 62 incidents reported in the straits for 2024, ReCAAP had said earlier.

It urged countries bordering the straits to increase surveillance in their waters, respond promptly to incidents reported by ships, strengthen coordination, and promote information sharing on incidents and criminal groups involved to arrest the perpetrators.

It also advised ships to be more vigilant and maintain a sharp lookout while in the straits, especially during hours of darkness, and to adopt preventive measures including CCTV coverage at potential boarding points.

ReCAAP encouraged ships to report all incidents immediately to the nearest coastal state and flag state using the ReCAAP ISC mobile app, and identify perpetrators’ craft making reference to the ReCAAP ISC’s Guide Book on Identification of Fishing Boats in Asian Waters.

More information is available at www.recaap.org