Kuala lumpur: Sixteen demands under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), out of a total of 29, are currently under review by the Technical Committee of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63), according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. The demands include significant issues such as education, healthcare, oil royalties, petroleum cash payments, oil minerals and fields, the Territorial Sea Act 2012 (Act 750), and state rights over the continental shelf.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadillah announced that 13 claims have already been resolved, with nine addressed under the MADANI Government and four during the previous administration. The resolved claims under the MADANI Government include the recognition of the Public Works Department (JKR) and the Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS) in Sabah and Sarawak as Technical Departments under Treasury Instruction 182 (AP182). Additionally, the Electricity Regulatory Authority has been transferred to the Sabah state government. Amendments have also been made to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) Act 1995 to appoint representatives from the Sabah and Sarawak state governments as permanent members of the IRB. Changes to the Sabah Labour Ordinance and the Sarawak Labour Ordinance have also been implemented.
Fadillah elaborated that the MTPMA63, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was established to assess the demands submitted by the Sabah and Sarawak state governments, focusing on the legal framework and the implementation of the agreed-upon claims. He emphasized that the MADANI Government is fully committed to expediting the resolution of all MA63 demands; however, the timeframe for each resolution is dependent on the relevant legal processes. The readiness of the Sabah and Sarawak state governments in terms of operations, human resources, and finances must also be considered before any claim under the MA63 can be settled.
In addressing flood risk reduction measures, Fadillah, who also serves as the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, highlighted that the ministry, through JPS, has implemented both structural and non-structural strategies nationwide to enhance drainage systems and infrastructure. Structural solutions involve upgrading infrastructure and drainage, implementing flood mitigation projects, managing rivers, eco-friendly drainage, retention ponds, coastal erosion control, river rehabilitation, and cleaning programs. Under the non-structural approach, the ministry has developed master plans and flood hazard maps, with fifty-four master plans completed this year and five currently in progress.
Fadillah also noted the development of the Environmentally Friendly Drainage Master Plan, which aims to identify issues related to drainage, water quality, and proposed upgrades, alongside the Integrated River Basin Management studies nationwide to ensure the sustainability of rivers.