KUALA LUMPUR: The trilateral military cooperation between Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines may be bolstered with added involvement by their respective ground forces, a move that will, among others, deter crime-terror acts in the region, according to the nations’ defence ministers.

       Following a meeting with his counterparts yesterday, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said several parts of the trilateral cooperation agreement (TCA) would be expanded.

       “Firstly, to expand the TCA beyond its current defence sphere by effectively including a multi-agency approach which should involve other relevant bodies and ministries. Secondly, to expedite the deployment of permanent trilateral maritime officers.

       “Thirdly, to enhance intelligence exchange among the three countries to ensure future surveillance operations are more productive and accurate to curtail crime-terror nexus activities in the region.

       “And finally, to enhance the strategic engagement and commitment among the three countries through continuous improvement of structure, communication and coordination of the TCA,” said Hishammuddin, who is also Senior Minister (Security).

       In a bid to strengthen trilateral military cooperation, the ministers have also agreed to institutionalise the TCA meetings and to have them at least once a year.

       “I would like to emphasise that the TCA has been – and is – crucial in acting as a deterrent against crime-terror acts in the Sulu and Sulawesi Seas. For example, zero incidents of kidnapping for ransom were reported in 2021.

       “We have shown the world that strong regional security cooperation is the way forward,” Hishammuddin added.

       The press conference yesterday at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MiTEC) was also attended by Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto and Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

       The ministers were in town for the Defence Services Asia exhibition and National Security Conference Asia 2022.

       Prabowo noted the close friendship and strong historical and cultural affinities between Indonesia and Malaysia.

       “We have common interests and threats. Therefore, this trilateral agreement cooperation among us is very important and we would like to see this enhanced.

       “We are committed to protecting this peace and stability of our region. The TCA has been very successful and it’s time to up the level by including other agencies that have to do with close border control and maritime borders,” he added.