KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia will continue resolving maritime boundary issues with Indonesia through diplomatic engagement following a recent incident involving a Petronas survey vessel in Indonesian waters.
Addressing the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar said the government was aware of the October 17 incident which saw a Petronas exploration ship reportedly surrounded by over 100 Indonesian fishing boats, but said Malaysia had no intention of escalating the matter.
“I take note of what was raised regarding the disturbance involving Petronas, but it has not reached the stage where I need to contact President Prabowo Subianto.
“Our relationship with Indonesia remains good, and this matter will be settled as friends,” he said during the Minister’s Question Time in Parliament here today.
Anwar was responding to a supplementary question by Kubang Kerian MP Datuk Seri Tuan Ibharim Tuan Man on the incident and how Malaysia plans to resolve maritime border disputes with Indonesia.
The prime minister said Petronas was operating well within Malaysia’s authorised survey blocks and had not intruded into foreign territory.
“The Petronas operation was conducted in waters that rightfully belong to us.”
Anwar also acknowledged that there have been occasional border intrusions by fishermen from both sides but described these as manageable and part of routine bilateral cooperation.
He added that Malaysia and Indonesia have already reached agreements on several maritime issues, although some, such as the long-standing Ambalat block, remain under negotiation.
“Discussions have been held, and while most matters have been resolved, a few areas are still pending finalisation,” he said.
In a statement to news portal MalaysiaKini, Petronas confirmed that one of its survey vessels was approached and obstructed by a group of fishing boats off the coast of Indonesia last week, prompting a temporary halt in operations as a safety measure.
The company said the incident involved the Barokah-1 site survey ship operated by its subsidiary Petronas North Ketapang Sdn Bhd (PNKSB), which had been conducting exploration work near Madura Island.
