Four gangs of pirates operating n the Straits of Malacca have been smashed by the police, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan said today.

Enforcement efforts of the police had reduced the incidence of piracy in the straits and the Marine police were also providing escorts to tug boats or ships using the strait upon their request, he said.

"There is no doubt our enforcement has reduced piracy attacks in the straits and we have made quite a number of arrests," said Musa.

He said some of the arrests were reported in the media but some were kept under wraps because of ongoing operations.