KUCHING, Sept 18 (Bernama) — A special committee is reviewing The Sarawak Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1960 to ensure the law reflects the current and future needs of the maritime industry, said Sarawak Minister for Transport Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin.
He said the ordinance, in force since 1960 currently grants certain powers to Sarawak, including matters related to coastal shipping such as vessel operations within the state’s waters.
“We would like more powers to be delegated to Sarawak, such as ship surveys. This is important to strengthen oversight and streamline shipping operations,” he told reporters after officiating Sarawak Maritime Day here today.
Lee said the review committee comprises both state authorities and federal agencies to ensure the proposed amendments are not only relevant to Sarawak but also aligned with Malaysia’s broader maritime framework.
“We are studying the law in detail. At this stage, I cannot disclose all the information as the committee and the State Attorney-General’s Chambers are still conducting their review. They will present the proposed new rules once the study is completed,” he said.
On July 10, the government, through the Ministry of Transport (MOT), officially established the Malaysia Maritime Law Revision and Reform Committee (MLRRC).
The establishment of this committee reflects the government’s commitment to building a modern, progressive, and responsive national maritime legal system to keep pace with the increasingly complex maritime landscape of global maritime trade.
The first phase of the MLRRC Committee’s assignment will focus on six main legislative instruments, namely the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 [Ord. 70/1952], Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1960 (Sabah) [Ord. No. 11/1960] and the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1960 (Sarawak) [Ord. No. 2/1960].
Other instruments include the Penang Port Commission Act 1955 [Act 140], the Port Authorities Act 1963 [Act 488], and the Port (Privatisation) Act 1990 [Act 422].
— BERNAMA
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