Erecting Malaysia's maritime fence over the Straits of Malacca and Singapore

Authors

Mohd Hazmi Bin Mohd Rusli, University of Wollongong
Abdul Ghafur Hamid Khin Maung Sein, International Islamic University Malaysia
Wan Izatul Asma Binti Wan Talaat, University Malaysia Tennagganu
Maizatun Binti Mustafa, International Islamic University Malaysia

RIS ID

94254

Publication Details

Mohd Rusli, M., Maung Sein, A., Wan Talaat, W. and Mustafa, M. (2014). Erecting Malaysia's maritime fence over the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. AALCO Journal of International Law, 3 (1), 111-120.

Link to publisher version (URL)

Asian-Africal Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO)

Abstract

Malaysia shares the Straits of Malacca and Singapore with Indonesia, Singapore and briefly, with Thailand. Before colonial times, there were no proper maritime boundary delimitation within the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. The Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824 has divided the Straits of Malacca and Singapore into two spheres of dominions, which later on became the basis of modern territories of Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. Since independence in 1957, Malaysia has been working closely with Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore to properly demarcate maritime boundary lines in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. Nevertheless, there are still unresolved issues between these littoral States in demarcating their boundaries in these Straits. This may create difficulties particularly when the issues of exerting sovereignty or exercising sovereign rights come into picture. This article concludes that Malaysia should continue to work closely with its immediate neigbour, particularly Singapore and Indonesia in resolving these unsettled maritime boundary issues in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.