A map shows the Strait of Malacca between the southern tip of Malaysia and the Indonesia island of Sumatra. Singapore also sits at the southernmost tip of Malaysia.
Use the map to answer the question.
How does the central waterway shown benefit Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore?
A.
It offers people who live in the region an abundant source of clean water.
B.
It provides natural sea barriers to defend them against attack and conquest.
C.
It provides a channel by which they can restrict access to the region by foreign nations.
D.
It ensures a large volume of shipping and trade passes through their ports each year.