The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) has intensified patrols along the western coastline of the country following a security alert on possible terror attacks on ships along the Straits of Malacca.

Besides the patrols, the agency has also been conducting random checks on passing vessels, APMM commander First Admiral Che Hassan Jusoh said.

Small fishing vessels will also be checked tightly. At present, the APMM is now coordinating efforts with the port authorities to keep track of vessels passing the straits.

Since the terror alert, the force has mounted massive operations on both the east and west side of the state, he said, adding that they were also monitoring vessel movement through the radar systems and other sources./.