Speaking at an international gathering about piracy in Kuala Lumpur, director of IMB Pottengal Mukundan highlighted the issue in front of 200 delegates from 30 countries.

He told the crowd: “Information sharing and coordinated action between concerned coastal states is crucial in responding to this threat.

“However, the proliferation of reporting centres in some regions could create a degree of confusion that can leave seafarers and ships unnecessarily at risk.”