The number of piracy and armed robbery incidents in Asia from January to September 2016 decreased by 65%, compared to the same period in 2015, according to The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP).

A total of 59 incidents were reported during the period, including 3 piracy and 56 armed robbery incidents, ReCAAP said.

The situation improved in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, contributing to the decrease in overall number. In these regions, there were only two incidents from January to September 2016, compared to 96 incidents in the same period last year.

According to ReCAAP, there was a decrease in hijacking of ships for oil cargo theft during the nine-month period as only two such incidents occurred, compared to 12 in 2015.

The infographic below provides more detailed information on piracy and armed robbery incidents against ships in Asia from January to September this year: