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?

(1 point)
Responses

It offers people who live in the region an abundant source of clean water.

It offers people who live in the region an abundant source of clean water.

It provides natural sea barriers to defend them against attack and conquest.

It provides natural sea barriers to defend them against attack and conquest.

It provides a channel by which they can restrict access to the region by foreign nations.

It provides a channel by which they can restrict access to the region by foreign nations.

It ensures a large volume of shipping and trade passes through their ports each year.

It ensures a large volume of shipping and trade passes through their ports each year.
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The central waterway shown on the map, which is the Strait of Malacca, benefits Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore in multiple ways. Firstly, it provides a channel by which they can restrict access to the region by foreign nations. This allows them to control and secure their borders, protecting their sovereignty and interests.

Secondly, the strait serves as a natural sea barrier, providing defense against potential attacks and conquests. The narrow passage can make it more difficult for naval forces to penetrate into the region, giving these countries a geographical advantage for protection.

Furthermore, the Strait of Malacca ensures a large volume of shipping and trade passes through their ports each year. Being one of the busiest and most important shipping routes in the world, it facilitates maritime trade between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. This plays a significant role in the economic development of these countries, as it allows for increased trade, commerce, and prosperity.

In conclusion, the central waterway shown on the map, the Strait of Malacca, benefits Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore by providing them with a means to control access to the region, offering natural sea barriers for defense, and enabling a significant volume of shipping and trade through their ports.