Kuala Lampur, Oct. 17 -- The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) needs more funds to protect the country's marine interests from encroachment in light of escalating tensions between the US and China, the foreign minister said in Parliament today.

Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said Malaysia lacks sufficient maritime assets to patrol its waters and watch out for incursions by foreign powers.

"We have always called upon Asean countries to maintain the Asean principles of neutrality when engaging superpowers, particularly in the context of the South China Sea and China. That's why we are not so keen on having unilateral relationships when it comes to maritime issues.

"On non-militarisation, we are trying to ensure that there is no esca...