The radars would be installed on Pulau Perak, off Kedah, and Pulau Jarak, south-west of the Perak coast.

MMEA director-general Admiral Ahmad Puzi Ab Kahar told reporters at a media event in Kajang on Saturday that the coast guard had nine radar systems in place at various locations along the Straits.

“The new radars will create a more efficient chain of tracking in the area,” he said as the MMEA expected that ratification of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement by 12 countries, including Malaysia, would increase sea trade, NST Online reported.

Ahmad Puzi: “We are very concerned about the country’s safety and security, especially with regards to piracy and other threats that may attempt to enter Malaysia via the sea. Following this, we have stepped up our surveillance.

“As of last year, more than 77,000 large cargo vessels and ships plied the sea routes for economic, social and political reasons. We can see an increasing trend (in terms of numbers of ships). In 2004 and 2005, there were less than 50,000 ships only.

“We believe after the implementation of the TPPA, the number of ships could be doubled, as the agreement will draw more foreign investors,” he said