KUCHING: Sarawak is set to emerge as the first state in Malaysia to implement a Marine Cadastre system by 2029, in an effort to strengthen maritime area management and drive the state's blue economy development.

Director of the Sarawak Land and Survey Department (JTS), Datu Awang Zamhari Awang Mahmood, stated that this new initiative will focus on developing a marine measurement system involving maritime areas, including the water column and seabed, to create a complete and organised marine record.

According to him, the Sarawak Government has mandated JTS Sarawak to execute the project in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) for the period between 2026 and 2028.

He noted that the development of the Marine Cadastre is vital as much of the potential for the blue economy is concentrated in maritime areas, including offshore development and carbon storage initiatives.

“We require a flawless recording system, similar to the land survey and recording systems on shore, to ensure that the management of maritime areas can be carried out more systematically and efficiently,” he said.

He told reporters this when met after attending the RISM Surveyors’ Congress 2026 Sarawak Branch at the Grand Riverine Ballroom on Thursday.

Elaborating further, he said that the key components currently being refined include legal aspects, registration, and marine surveying to ensure the full realisation of the system by 2029.

At the same time, he mentioned that Sarawak will conduct technical visits and benchmarking studies to Perth and Queensland this coming September to examine the implementation of Marine Cadastre in Australia, which is recognised as one of the earliest countries to develop such a system.

He further emphasised that Sarawak possesses a unique advantage in leading the implementation of the system because the state’s land administration already includes coastal and marine areas under the Sarawak Land Code.

“In the context of Sarawak, we can be considered among the frontrunners in Malaysia for implementing marine surveying, as the administration of coastal and maritime areas falls under the state's responsibility,” he added. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Lonney Jinab
Translator: Sarah Nicole Hii
Photo by: Mohammad Naseem Razali