In reference to the many letters regarding our inability to defend our borders, and the support and faith of many readers on the United States armed forces, let us remind ourselves that even the United States couldn't defend their borders against terrorist attacks, never mind their inability to prevent thousands of Mexicans from crossing its borders.

And how can we forget their foray into Southern Philippines looking for that chap called Abu Sayyaf? They brought in what was then, the latest infra red with I presume satellite capabilities to detect enemy camps in the area only to find out that it does not work in dense jungle conditions. Their conquest of Iraq more or less confirmed their inept ability to plan and manage a country after a swift victory.

As for Singapore, my personal opinion is that, if piracy involves ships loaded with refined oil products or cargo that go missing, the centre of operations is probably based on that island state.

The business of selling the cargo may involve the many bunker and trading companies there and the many shipbrokers there can dispose of the ship discreetly. Maybe we should also propose that the FBI have an office in Singapore to check on these allegations.

Our borders are our responsibility. But may I suggest to that in order to secure both the Straits of Malacca and the Sulu Sea more effectively, a geo-stationery satellite monitoring system be stationed in orbit above these two locations.

These satellites may not work over dense jungles but it can works wonders in open spaces such as the high seas. Movement of a suspected hijacked ship can be monitored in real time 24 hours a day.

The cost of the satellite can be shared equally by states who uses the waterways such as Japan, Singapore and China, apart from Malaysia and Indonesia. And also the US since they are so concerned about the safety of the straits.

I am sure the satellites can be built and launched using existing technological capabilities of Japan and China although the US already have a few in orbit presently. These satellites can detect small boats if you want them to but I am not sure if they can do this if there is cloud cover.

The satellite system will not deter the small-time pirates who steal petty cash and valuables from sailors and it may not stop the kidnaping of ship officers, but it will definitely deter the pirates who are making a big business out of hijacking.

It will definitely deter terrorists with the intentions of turning their hijacked ship into a floating bomb as the ship's movements can be detected if it moves away from its designated navigation channels