Malaysia rejects Sebatik land loss claim, says border deal yields net gain of 662 hectares
KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 – The Malaysian government has dismissed claims that it lost territory on Pulau Sebatik to Indonesia, clarifying that the final border realignment actually resulted in a net territorial gain.
Arthur Joseph Kurup, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, said reports citing a loss of 127.3 hectares were misleading and failed to reflect the broader agreement between the two countries.
Part of a wider border settlement
He explained that the adjustment on Pulau Sebatik was part of a comprehensive settlement that also included boundary corrections at Sungai Sinapad and Sungai Sesai.
Clarifying the figures
While approximately 123 hectares on Sebatik were realigned to Indonesia and Malaysia received about five hectares in return, the country gained an additional 780 hectares at the other two locations.
This resulted in an overall net gain of 662 hectares for Malaysia.
Based on historical agreements and international law
The realignment follows the 1891 Boundary Convention, which defined the border along the 4°10’ North latitude.
Negotiations to resolve discrepancies identified in 1983 were concluded in 2018.
Formalised through official agreement
The final arrangement was sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in February 2025, ending over 45 years of technical and diplomatic discussions.
Sabah’s involvement ensured
Kurup noted that the Sabah state government was involved throughout the process to safeguard state interests.
Improved governance and planning
The updated boundary provides legal certainty, supporting more effective administration, security management and development planning in the affected areas.
Call for responsible reporting
The government also urged media outlets to verify sensitive information with official sources before publication to prevent public confusion.
-wilayah.com.my
