ROOM FOR NEGOTIATION OVER THE Frontier OF MARITIME?
One Johor lawmaker suggests that negotiating for the redrawing of the maritime boundary between Malaysia and Singapore in the Joheor Strait to give the anglers more room is a potential solution to save the lives of these fishermen.
Pandak Ahmad, the state assembly for Kota Iskandar, announced to the internet that he would be tabling a motion to remap the Johor Strait maritime boundary between Malaysia and Singapore on Monday( Sep 11 ).
However, RSIS ‘ Dr. Koh stated to CNA that he is” somewhat sceptical” about the proposal, noting that Johor’s ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and the Malaysian federal government have had a” thorn in the relationship” over maritime disputes like the Pedra Branca issue. & nbsp,
The federal government would need to address the marine limit issue brought up by the Johor legislator. Putrajaya will now be responsible for starting the conversation with Singapore, according to Dr. Koh. & nbsp,
Although it is doubtful that Singapore may consider moving its maritime border because it involves regional sovereignty, he said there might be room for negotiation after meetings were held in 2019 to discuss the delineation of maritime boundaries after an earlier dispute.
In October 2018, Singapore voiced opposition to Malaysia’s unilateral expansion of the Johor Bahru Port Limits off Tanjung Piai, which crossed the port limits off Tuas & nbsp.
It claimed that as a result of the action, Malaysian authorities ships repeatedly entered Singapore’s waters, prompting the Republic to extend its own dock restrictions in retaliation, which were still in its regional waters.
Later, both parties consented to renounce their conflicting port claims, return to their previous boundaries, and not authorize or halt any business activity in the region. They also agreed not to anchor any government vessels it.
Additionally, a committee was established to investigate the administrative and legal complexities surrounding the maritime dispute in order to lay the groundwork for negotiations.
Given the ongoing meetings, Dr. Koh stated:” At first glance, this( change in maritime boundary ) doesn’t seem to be a plausible choice; it, after all, concerns independence and, of course, an issue of process.”
However, I would contend that this possibility isn’t completely improbable, particularly given that the Anwar state is probably seen as more approachable.
In the meantime, Dr. Serina pointed out that fishing in the Straits of Johor region is actually becoming more and more obvious as the need for financial redevelopment is likely to outweigh the local villagers’ means of subsistence. & nbsp,
She acknowledged that there is a bright side to these improvements because they will give local youth employment opportunities. & nbsp,
Sailors are in danger, she claimed. Unfortunately, we are unable to maintain our lakes as they were in the 1980s. The entire area is intended for growth and business. It is beyond our comprehension. “& nbsp,
Mr. Nasir, a Kampung Pendas man, carried his field of six prawns and sighed as he returned from the water and tied his ship to the port. & nbsp,
Mr. Nasir said,” It was a disappointing day out today, but maybe tomorrow will be better ,” as he prayed for the catch the following day. & nbsp,
I want to get a fisherman long, so I hope things will get better.” Changing work is not an option ,” he continued. & nbsp,