KUCHING (Sept 18): The Sarawak Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1960 will undergo a comprehensive review within the next two years to incorporate new provisions on green energy and digitalisation, said State Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

He said a special committee, comprising officials from his ministry and the State Attorney General’s Chambers, has been tasked with the exercise to ensure the law remains relevant and aligned with international maritime standards.

“The committee has been given the task and they’ve been given the timeframe — two years starting from this year,” he told reporters after officiating at the launch of Sarawak Maritime Day 2025 here today.

According to Lee, the review will address both existing state powers over coastal shipping and new areas required under global expectations.

“At the moment, we are still operating under the Sarawak Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1960. There are certain powers vested in Sarawak, for example on coastal shipping — ships sailing in Sarawak coastal waters from Kuching to Miri or Sibu to Bintulu.

“So we would like to have more powers given to Sarawak, such as ship surveys for certain categories of ships. At the same time, the law revision committee will also look into compliance with international standards, including on the use of green energy and digitalisation,” he said.

Lee noted that the review may involve both amendments to current provisions and the introduction of entirely new ones.

“Where there is a need to update it and amend, that’s why we have studied the law in detail. Let the committee study, let the State Attorney General’s Office study, and let them come up with the proposal,” he said.

On manpower, the minister highlighted the shortage of seafarers and the need to strengthen human capital in the industry.

He said scholarships under the Kumpulan Wang Pusat Perdagangan Laut (KWPPL) scheme are helping encourage more Sarawakians and Sabahans to pursue maritime courses.

“This year, 23 from Sarawak and 21 from Sabah received scholarships. Previously also had, but not that many. They are increasing the numbers, providing scholarships — that’s one way to increase skilled manpower, professional seafarers, and it’s very much needed,” he said.

Lee also underscored Sarawak’s contribution to the national maritime sector, pointing out that the state builds more than half of Malaysia’s ships, including modern vessels and naval ships.

“This is the first time we are giving more prominence to the maritime industry in Sarawak. That’s why this year we especially celebrate Sarawak Maritime Day,” he said.

He added that discussions are ongoing with the Marine Department and the federal Ministry of Transport to bring more national-level maritime events to Sarawak.

Also present at the event were State Deputy Transport Minister (Riverine and Marine) Dato Henry Harry Jinep, Malaysia Marine Department Director-General Datuk Dickson Dollah, IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) in Malta Director Prof Dr Norman Martinez Gutierrez, Marine Sarawak Region Director Bianus Muyou, and Sarawak River Board Controller Lt Col Ding Tiew Wong.

By Jude Toyat