MALAYSIA needs an ocean governance regime that will allow authorities to manage the nation’s waters and enforce laws more efficiently, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.

He said it was now “high time” for all maritime-related agencies to collaborate and consolidate necessary work processes. 

“The government recognises the need for an ocean governance regime for Malaysia. There should be an overarching policy, encompassing all maritime aspects – from security, to safety, to economy, and the environment.

“If we continue to manage our seas in fragments, as it is now, the overlapping of jurisdictions and conflicts of interests between the sectors will never be resolved,” he said at the opening of the National Maritime Conference 2019 in Langkawi this morning.

Malaysia faces maritime issues and threats such as boundary disputes; illegal trafficking of both goods and human; unregulated and unreported fishing; piracy; terrorism; climate change and global warming; and pollution from shipping activities and land-based pollution.

The country has ample laws to protect its waters but enforcement is handled by various agencies in different ministries, leading to inefficiency and overlapping of jurisdiction.

“Overlapping jurisdictions must be immediately addressed to overcome wastage of government resources.

“Coordinated and integrated approach should be the answer to strengthen maritime enforcement. This effort can be achieved through greater understanding, trust and open communication,” Dr Mahathir said.

The prime minister also stressed on managing the sea based on balancing economic needs without sacrificing the needs to maintain security, safety and the marine environment.

“We have a lot to do and more challenges to overcome in order for Malaysia to become a true maritime nation. 

“It cannot be done overnight, but we have also undergone much as a nation to be able to identify and find solutions for most of our maritime-related issues,” he said. 

Dr Mahathir added that he hoped the conference would help the government introduce better policies to realise Malaysia’s Maritime Nation agenda.

The conference, themed “Malaysia a Maritime Nation: Charting the Passage”, was attended by 150 participants from the maritime community, government agencies and higher learning institutions.

The Royal Malaysian Navy-hosted event was held in conjunction with the ongoing Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima) 2019, which ends this Saturday. – March 27, 2019.