By Olivia Miwil
KOTA KINABALU: No changes to Sabah's boundaries can be made without the consent of the State Legislative Assembly, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, amid claims involving land on Sebatik Island.
He said the reported transfer of 100ha on the island to Indonesia did not constitute a surrender of sovereignty, but reflected compliance with the 1891 Boundary Convention.
"The land boundary on Sebatik Island is based on the 1891 Boundary Convention signed between the British and Dutch governments on June 20, 1891.
"Under Article 4, the boundary is set along the latitude of 4°10' North. This area was previously classified as an Outstanding Boundary Problem as it had not been finalised," he said in his winding-up speech at the state legislative assembly, which was read by his assistant minister Datuk Jonsiton Bangkuai.
Hajiji said a joint Malaysia–Indonesia technical review in 1983 found discrepancies between the boundary on the ground and that stipulated in the convention.
He said further investigation, demarcation and re-survey works were carried out between February and November 2019 using modern technology to ensure accurate alignment.
"The realignment was undertaken together with boundary adjustments at Sungai Sinapad and Sungai Sesai.
"As a result, Malaysia gained an additional 780ha of territory previously within Indonesian borders," he said.
He added that the boundaries at Sebatik Island, Sungai Sinapad and Sungai Sesai were finalised following the signing of a memorandum of understanding on Feb 18, 2025.
However, Hajiji said that the Malaysia–Indonesia land boundary had yet to be fully resolved, particularly in the intertidal zone on the eastern side of Sebatik Island, extending about 870m out to sea, as well as in four Outstanding Boundary Problem areas in the Sarawak–West Kalimantan sector.
He said the Sabah government had been actively involved at every stage of negotiations to safeguard the state's interests, with representation from the Chief Minister's Department, State Attorney-General's Chambers and the Lands and Surveys Department.
He added that the entire process was conducted based on mutual agreement between both countries and in accordance with international law, without involving compensation or reciprocal arrangements, while ensuring Sabah's rights and border security are upheld.
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