Malaysia plans to formally protest the Philippines’ newly introduced maritime laws, which it argues encroach upon its territorial claims in the South China Sea, Malaysia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mohamad Alamin said on Thursday.
The protest comes after China also voiced concerns over the Philippines’ Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, both of which the Philippines asserts are aimed at strengthening its maritime claims and safeguarding its territorial integrity.
Alamin explained that Malaysia had reviewed the relevant documents related to the Philippines’ legislation and found that they include provisions that could affect Malaysia’s sovereignty over Sabah on the island of Borneo.
“We will issue a protest note today to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the sovereignty of Sabah and our national territory,” Alamin told lawmakers.
The Philippines’ Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the matter.
While the Philippines has a long-standing but dormant claim to the eastern part of Sabah, originating from colonial-era agreements, official statements on the issue have been rare. The Philippines’ Supreme Court ruled in 2011 that the claim remains unresolved.
