MAST, the UK maritime security company, said it welcomes the initiative, but warns that the burden of responsibility will still be with shipping companies to protect their assets and crews.
Malaysian Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed recently suggested that closer cooperation between countries and having armed guards on merchant ships are among ways being considered to improve regional maritime security.
"With the recent increase in piracy activity in SE Asian waters, the Malaysian authorities are keen to demonstrate they are taking pro-active measures to prevent it," said MAST chief operating officer Gerry Northwood OBE.
"Armed guards were discussed as a potential solution but given the legal complexities, with vessels passing through different states territorial waters, to be effective, an agreement would need to include the Indonesians and Singaporeans.
"Regional cooperation and allowing armed security teams on vessels transiting through SE Asian waters will help improve a layered defense system that includes the deployment of rapid response teams announced by Malaysian and Indonesian authorities in August."
Northwood said: "It can take time before armed guards on ships in SE Asia become an effective measure, but this is a move in the right direction. Our advice is that all vessels should be putting in place the appropriate risk assessed security measures.
"Local and regional authorities need to do what they can to secure a safe environment for vessels to transit through, but shipping companies cannot afford to relax their guard either.
"The responsibility will still be on the ships and crews to take necessary precautions and ensure security measures remain effective while in transit, at anchor, in port and during cargo operations."
MAST said a modified version of Best Management Practices (BMP) tailored to SE Asia is due to be published shortly.
Northwood added: "When making the risk assessment, factors to be taken into account include the physical attributes of the vessel such as speed, freeboard, access points etc, cargo and routing.
"Ideally the measures to be put in place should be from a menu of options, including crew training, access to a citadel, and other BMP4 passive measures where possible."
