KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 — The Territorial Sea Act 2012 (Act 750) remains valid and applicable throughout Malaysia, including in Terengganu, despite the Terengganu State Legislative Assembly's decision to reject its use, unless declared otherwise by the court.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said it is the Federal government's position that Act 750 was enacted and passed by Parliament lawfully under the Federal Constitution.
"It is the Federal Government's responsibility to ensure that Malaysia's sovereign rights, including Malaysian waters, are always protected," it said in a statement today.
The PMO was responding to several news reports that the Terengganu state assembly had rejected the implementation of Act 750.
It added that Act 750's purpose is to provide provisions regarding Malaysia's territorial waters, preserve the integrity of Malaysia's territorial borders and sovereign rights, and ensure the security and integrity of its territory.
The Act was also enacted to fulfil Malaysia's obligations under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
"In line with the values of Malaysia Madani, we reiterate that the Federal government always provides development allocations to all states, including Terengganu," the PMO said.
On Thursday (April 25), Terengganu reportedly rejected Act 750 which limits the state's maritime boundaries to three nautical miles, which is 5.5 kilometres from the coastal area.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said the state assembly rejected the Act, citing its infringement on the state's right to explore resources and generate revenue within its maritime borders.
— Bernama
