Deputy Minister: Sarawak’s authority over continental shelf extends to 200 nautical miles for all activities

Dzulkarnaen presenting a souvenir to Sharifah Hasidah witnessed by Abdullah (right) during the Kuching Pickleball Championship at the MUSCS Pickleball Arena in Petra Jaya on Aug 6. Photo credit: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Aug 7: Sarawak has the authority to manage and regulate all activities, including carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), within its continental shelf up to 200 nautical miles.

In a news report by TVS, Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali emphasised that this is in accordance with the Continental Shelf (Amendment) Act 2009 and the sea boundary defined in the Sarawak Land Code.

“Sarawak’s sea boundary, as defined in the Sarawak Land Code, extends to the continental shelf, which stretches for 200 nautical miles, not just three or four nautical miles.

“Therefore, any matters within this area fall under Sarawak’s jurisdiction, including the right to regulate and use the resources there,” she said after officiating the Kuching Pickleball Championship at the MUSCS Pickleball Arena in Petra Jaya here yesterday (Aug 6).

Sharifah Hasidah affirmed that the Sarawak government will continue its close collaboration with the Federal government on this issue.

Her remarks reinforced Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s statement on Monday that the Federal government will recognise Sarawak’s rights in offshore areas.

Abang Johari noted that during a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur, issues related to land and carbon storage on the continental shelf were effectively addressed.

Both Federal and Sarawak governments agreed that land matters fall within Sarawak’s legal and executive powers and cannot be interfered with.

Sharifah Hasidah added that all actions taken by Sarawak are based on laws established in the Federal Constitution.

Deputy Minister at the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs and Ukas) Datuk Abdullah Saidol and MUSCS president Datuk Dzulkarnain Ahmad were present. — DayakDaily