Sarawak asserts right to regulate minerals and resources within 200 nautical miles

KUCHING: Sarawak holds the legal right to regulate minerals and other underground resources within a radius of 200 nautical miles, affirmed Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Office (Law, MA63, and State-Federal Relations).

She noted that this jurisdiction also includes the management of carbon capture, usage, and storage (CCUS) within the designated area.

“The Sarawak government will collaborate with the federal government on this matter as well,” she added.

In a statement to reporters after officiating the Kuching Pickleball League at MUSC Pickleball Arena here, Sharifah Hasidah explained, “According to the Sarawak Land Code, our maritime boundary extends to the continental shelf, which is 200 nautical miles, not three or four nautical miles. The authority to regulate what lies within that radius is within our jurisdiction, and this is not contrary to the law.”

Reflecting on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s mandate on his 74th birthday, she reiterated his call for unity among the people and leaders in supporting efforts to advance Sarawak’s development.

“With that spirit, we will continue to fight for the rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which is also a legitimate law,” she said.

Sarawak has successfully negotiated an agreement regarding its rights and powers in the management and use of land on the continental shelf, in line with constitutional provisions.

Abang Johari highlighted that this matter was also discussed during the first meeting of the National Energy Council, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya recently.

The meeting confirmed that land matters fall under the state’s legislative and executive authority and cannot be compromised.

Hasidah also mentioned that as Sarawak progresses, environmental sustainability will be a key consideration in pursuing new economic initiatives that do not harm the environment.

When asked about the presence of a Chinese Coast Guard vessel in the South China Sea, Sharifah Hasidah indicated that the matter should be referred to Abang Johari, noting that decisions regarding foreign countries fall under the purview of the federal government.