KUALA LUMPUR (April 24): Malaysia has reiterated that there is no need or justification for any foreign power to intervene or take control of the Strait of Malacca.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the strategic waterway remains peaceful and free of disruptions to international shipping.

“There is no reason for any country, whether a small or major power, to express the desire to control the Strait of Malacca, as the littoral states are fully capable of managing it,” he said after the closing of the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security Exhibition (Natsec) Asia 2026 here on Thursday.

He was responding to rumours suggesting that foreign powers may seek to assert control over the world’s busiest shipping route amid ongoing global geopolitical uncertainties.

Mohamed Khaled reiterated that the Defence Ministry’s position aligns with that of Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who has emphasised the importance of safeguarding sovereignty over the waterway.

He stressed that any decision or action concerning the Strait of Malacca must be based on consensus among the littoral states, comprising Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand.

Mohamad Hasan had previously underscored that no unilateral decisions should be made regarding the strait, highlighting Asean’s consensus-based approach in ensuring maritime security in the region.

Meanwhile, commenting on the arrest of a military officer involved in a fatal drunk driving accident earlier Thursday, Mohamed Khaled said the matter has been left entirely to the police for investigation.

In the incident, the officer allegedly crashed into an e-hailing multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) on the MEX Highway from Salak Selatan towards Jalan Tun Razak, resulting in one fatality.

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