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  Piracy in Malaysian waters : Impact on security

  Piracy is as rife today as ever with over 192 attacks on shipping was recorded world wide from January to December 1998. Out of it, 93 happens in South China Sea and in the far east waters. According to Institute of Maritime Bureau (IMB) - Piracy Reporting Centre which is based in Kuala Lumpur, the numbers is far from true as nations, shipowners and individuals each has every reasons not to report or keeping the facts secret. Some of these attacks demonstrate the gratuitous cruelty and inhumanity which characterised the old time pirates, others are less bloody affairs involving attacks whilst the ship is at anchor and in harbour.
  
  Maritime organisations today are essentially advisory rather than disciplinary, however some countries have been pressured to handle piracy problems more strictly. Nonetheless the question of 'not in my own backyard' persist and the need for integrated, cohesive and consistent approach rather than a divisive and singular approach arises. Regional enforcement agencies are facing new challenges for enhancing enforcement capability in the midst of contracting capability development in the face of the currency crisis and the economic downturn in this region. The studies will trace back the beginning of piracy in South East Asia until the current day. It analyses the current situation focusing only on Malaysian waters, the impacts on Malaysia's security as well as the role of various Malaysian maritime organisations. The writer conclude that although piracy has no adverse impact on Malaysian security, but it bears unfavourable impact on the economy. It also concludes that piracy will always be a problem to be recognised (especially in Sabah coastal waters) not only by Malaysia but also by other ASEAN countries.