STATEMENT BY
MR. SOFIAN AKMAL ABD KARIM
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL HIGH-LEVEL OPEN DEBATE
MARITIME SECURITY: PREVENTION, INNOVATION AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN ADDRESSING EMERGING CHALLENGES
MONDAY, 11 AUGUST 2025
Thank you, President.
Malaysia wishes Panama a successful Presidency of the Security Council. I would like to thank the briefers for their insightful presentation.
Mr. President,
2.As a maritime nation, Malaysia believes that its prosperity and security hinge largely on the safety and stability of sea lines of communication in the Southeast Asia region, and beyond.
3.Cognizant of this, Malaysia wishes to take this opportunity to share its national approach and guiding principles pertaining to maritime security cooperation, as follows:
3.1Malaysia’s approach to maritime security is guided by the principle of promoting cooperation over contestation. We place strong emphasis on open communication and mutual understanding, while firmly avoiding confrontation in the interest of regional peace and security.
3.2Malaysia views national sovereignty, sovereign rights and territorial integrity – as enshrined in the UN Charter and the relevant international laws, including the 1982 UNCLOS – as the indispensable elements in safeguarding regional and global maritime security. No country should be coerced into ceding its sovereignty, sovereign rights or territory under the pretext of safeguarding the rights of another nation. The principle of sovereign equality, as enshrined in the UN Charter, must be upheld.
3.3As the Chair of ASEAN, Malaysia seeks to further strengthen regional mechanisms on maritime security, with the principle of ASEAN Centrality at its core. ASEAN has developed various mechanisms, involving multiple stakeholders, with the objective of fostering constructive dialogues to enhance maritime security across the region. Notable examples include the East Asia Summit, the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), and the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum. Malaysia also looks forward to the effective implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, in which maritime security features as a key element.
3.4Malaysia values the close cooperation with our neighbours in collectively safeguarding the waters surrounding our countries. Two exemplary mechanisms – the Malacca Straits Patrol (MSP) and the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangements (TCA) – have been institutionalized for this purpose. These mechanisms facilitate regular meetings, enable the sharing of real-time updates and support the exchange of information and intelligence to curb illicit activities in the waters of the countries concerned. The joint efforts have yielded tangible results, including a significant reduction in maritime security-related incidents, and the complete eradication of kidnap-for-ransom activities.
3.5Mindful of its responsibilities and international obligations, Malaysia’s National Climate Change Policy 2.0 aims to address the challenges of climate change, including its impact on ocean health and the marine environment. The NCCP outlines Malaysia’s commitment to increasing ocean-based climate efforts by better protecting, conserving and restoring marine and coastal areas such as mangroves and seagrass beds. These ecosystems play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide, helping Malaysia increase its capacity as a carbon sink and a natural reservoir of greenhouse gases. Malaysia also supports the BBNJ Agreement and intends to join other states in preserving and conserving marine biodiversity.
3.6As an aspiring candidate for the IMO Council for the term 2026-2027, Malaysia is actively seeking the continued support of all IMO Member States in the upcoming elections in December 2025. We are committed to upholding the values and objectives of the IMO. We recognize the Organization’s vital role in promoting the safety and security of ships, the welfare of seafarers, and the preservation of the marine climate and environment. If elected to the Council, Malaysia believes we can continue to enhance the effectiveness of regional and international implementation of the relevant IMO instruments to achieve these critical objectives.
Mr. President,
4.Malaysia is confident that this debate will help Member States build on and align their earlier efforts. It will open the door to broader international cooperation, strengthen the confidence of all stakeholders, and boost the global maritime economy.
I thank you.
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