A FUND to make the straits of Singapore and Malacca safer and to protect their environment has been set up.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Trust fund was launched yesterday at the opening of a maritime conference attended by 140 delegates from 22 countries.

Shipping giant Greece kickstarted the fund with a US$1 million (S$1.4 million) donation.

Nations whose ships ply both straits are urged to contribute.

Under the stewardship of United Nations agency IMO, the fund will be used for existing projects that maintain both straits' navigational safety and environment, by removing wrecks and cleaning chemical and oil spills, and possible new projects like emergency vessel towing. Singapore will lead some of these projects.

It is important to keep the straits safe as they make up one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, where a third of the world's trade and half its oil transits, said Transport Minister Raymond Lim.

About 100,000 vessels sail through the straits annually.

DAWN TAY

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