KUALA LUMPUR: The Territorial Sea Act 2012 (Act 750) is still valid and applicable throughout Malaysia including in Terengganu, unless declared otherwise by the courts, says the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
In a statement Saturday (April 27), the PMO said even though the Terengganu state assembly has decided to reject its use, Act 750 is still valid and applicable.
ALSO READ: Fahmi: No MPs from state objected when Territorial Sea Act passed in 2012
"We want to emphasise that the position of the Federal Government is that the Territorial Sea Act 2012 was made and approved by Parliament and is binding under the Federal Constitution.
"Act 750 was enacted to have provisions on Malaysian territorial seas and to preserve the integrity of Malaysia's territorial boundaries and sovereign rights as well as to guarantee the safety and integrity of the region.
"The enactment of Act 750 is to fulfil our (Malaysia's) obligations under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos)," the statement read.
The PMO was commenting on several news reports that Terengganu has rejected the application of the Territorial Sea Act 2012.
"It is the responsibility of the Federal Government to ensure Malaysia's sovereign rights including that of Malaysian waters are always protected.
"In line with the values of the Madani government, we once again state that the Federal Government will always provide development allocations to all states including Terengganu," it said.
On Thursday (April 25), the Terengganu state assembly unanimously passed a motion to reject the Territorial Sea Act 2012, citing its infringement of the state’s rights to explore resources and generate revenue within its maritime borders.
