The Role of Private Security Companies in Securing the Malacca Strait

摘要

In the past few years, an increasing number of Private Security Companies (PSCs - also sometimes referred to as Private Military Companies, PMCs) has emerged and is offering and conducting maritime security services in the Malacca Strait. These companies offer services in addition to security provided by the littoral states and their government agencies. This paper explores the role of private companies in securing vessels, ports and offshore energy installations in the Malacca Strait and suggests that current national regulation and oversight of PSCs operating in this area is insufficient and needs improvement. The first part of the paper provides a brief overview of companies operating in Southeast Asia, with particular focus on those which are active in securing the Malacca Strait. It discusses why PSCs are employed to provide additional security in the Malacca Strait and briefly examines the nature of work these companies conduct in this important waterway. The following section discusses current arrangements in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore to regulate the operations of PSCs, arguing that these initiatives are often insufficient. It also explains why regulation of PSCs by the littoral states, rather than by international bodies or from within the privatised security industry, is of importance. The paper concludes by arguing that improvements regarding oversight and regulation of PSCs are crucial to ensure that such companies are a viable supplement to government efforts to protect national waters, shipping lanes and other maritime assets.