Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said TAP is among the initiatives to strengthen the security and preparedness of air and maritime surveillance.

“The implementation of TAP is following the launching of the Indomalphi trilateral maritime patrol (TMP) to combat violence.

“TMP is aimed at ensuring militants including Islamic State (IS) will not use the Sulu Sea to intrude into the three nations and also to tackle piracy, kidnappings and armed robberies (in the Sulu Sea),” he said in a statement here today.

Hishamuddin, who is also special functions minister, said he always communicated with his counterparts from Asean nations to discuss the best strategies and approaches to tackle the IS group.

“I have contacted my counterpart from the Philippines, Delfin Negrillo Lorenzana, to state Malaysia’s willingness to help the Philippines, which is now faced with terrorism threats, in whatever way and situation,” he said.

Hishammuddin said he would contact the United State’s Defence Secretary-General James Mattis on Thursday to discuss the latest development in the activities of the militant IS group in the Middle East.

“I always closely monitor the activities of the militant groups, specifically IS, in the Middle East. This is because the situation developing in the Middle East can significantly impact the security of the nation and region,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hishammuddin said he would conduct working visits to several Middle Eastern countries soon, specifically Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

“This is in order to get a true picture of the situation in the Middle East other than sharing views on the best approach to tackle the IS threat.

“I will hold a meeting with the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince cum Defence Minister, Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, to discuss the setting up of the King Salman Centre For International Peace in Kuala Lumpur,” he said.