MALACCA CITY - Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia must cooperate to curb piracy in the Strait of Malacca, Malaysia's Defence Minister has said.

A single nation will not be able to effectively safeguard its maritime security, said Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, reported The Malaysian Insider.

"I discussed the matter with my Indonesian counterpart, Ryamizard Ryacudu, and he in principle agreed. We will also discuss it with the other nations," he told a press conference yesterday.

"We will also consider other Asean members being observers in the cooperation. To date, Vietnam and Myanmar have agreed (to be observers). We may hold a mini-summit to discuss ways to overcome piracy."

Mr Hishammuddin was speaking after opening the 15th Malacca International Youth Dialogue on "Youth and Armed Conflict: To Express Without Fear, To Progress Without a Threat".

The inauguration was also attended by Malacca Chief Minister Idris Haron.