Discussion at final stage to determine Malaysia-Brunei maritime boundary

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Dr Abdul Rahman (front, sixth right) – flanked by Norlaili on his left and Sondit – joins the ESHN recipients in a group photo.

LIMBANG: Malaysia and Brunei are still at the discussion stage of finalising matters related to the maritime boundary between the two nations.

Assistant Minister of Agriculture Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail said both sides had, in principle, agreed to work together to make Brunei Bay at the estuary of Limbang River the common ground for fishermen from both countries.

“When all have been identified, we hope that in the annual meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and the Sultan of Brunei, the issue will be settled this year,” he said when met after the handover of the monthly fisherman livelihood allowance (ESHN) of the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) Region 3, here yesterday.

LKIM Region 3 officer Norlaili Baharuddin, Limbang Fishermen Association (PNK) chairman Sondit Mail and Limbang PNK general manager Stredella Romina Lynne were also present.

Dr Abdul Rahman, who is Bukit Kota assemblyman, said Malaysia had also collaborated with Brunei authorities to allow local fishermen to cover Brunei and Sarawak waters, especially those offshore Lawas.

“However, local fishermen are advised to not take advantage of the privileges given to enter Brunei waters recklessly,” he reminded.

The issues relating to maritime boundary are often raised
by local leaders and fishermen as there is still no clear separation between Malaysia and Brunei waters.

Adding on, Dr Abdul Rahman also said discussions were also held between those representing the agriculture sectors in Brunei and Sarawak, regarding the cultivation of land in the state’s northern region.

At the function, a total of 85 fishermen received their ESHN assistance totalling RM23,850.