He said the barter trade system was seen as benefitting only one side, and did not favour Malaysia. It also involved smuggling of subsidised goods from Malaysia which caused leakages in national revenue, he told Malaysian journalists here on Saturday.

“I am not against the policy but from the operational aspect, we can see it is favouring only one side,” he said.

Zahid is currently on a week-long visit to the United States during which he attended a two-day Nuclear Security Summit which ended on Friday.

He said government agencies responsible should review the barter trade system operating via several small ports in Sabah and southern Philippines.

“The time has come for several agencies and departments under the ministries involved in barter trade to study quickly so that the issue of favouring only one side could be averted.”

Zahid, who is also home minister, said the routes were considered high risk and Malaysian traders passing through the area had been advised to inform the Marine Police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and Royal Malaysian Navy to protect them.

“As they comprised traders of goods to Philippines, they are aware of the risk when passing through several areas which have been zoned as dangerous spots.

“They should inform the security forces, especially marine police to patrol when entering waters of other countries,” he added.

— BERNAMA