KUCHING: The Ministry for Transport (MOTS) recently convened a Maritime Legal Briefing focusing on ‘Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims: Practical Relevance to Sarawak’ on Thursday.

The session gathered representatives from government agencies, the shipping industry, the Sarawak Attorney-General’s Chambers, Pasukan Polis Marin Wilayah Lima Sarawak, Agensi Penguatkuasa Maritim Malaysia Wilayah Sarawak, Sarawak Rivers Board, Jabatan Laut Wilayah Sarawak, Kuching Port Authority, Miri Port Authority, Bintulu Port Authority, Sarawak and Sabah Shipowner Association, Sarawak Shipping Association, and maritime legal practitioners.

The main presentation was delivered by maritime lawyer Dr. Arun Kasi, who shared his expertise on the subject and among those present was Chief Executive Officer of Perlindungan dan Indemniti Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Rudy Andrew Jeyaraj.

In his address, Minister for Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin underscored the critical importance of understanding both the legal framework and the practical implications of liability limitations, particularly for shipowners and stakeholders in the maritime sector.

“Maritime law plays an evolving role in safeguarding and advancing the growth of Sarawak’s shipping and maritime industries.

“We must ensure our laws are updated, aligned with international standards, and designed to facilitate rather than hinder industry development,” he said.

Dato Sri Lee highlighted that Sarawak is governed by its own Sarawak Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1960, which prescribes certain areas under state jurisdiction.

He further noted that the Federal Government has established a law revision committee, with the MOTS’ Permanent Secretary and Deputy Permanent Secretary as members serving to review and amend relevant maritime legislation, including the Sarawak Merchant Shipping Ordinance.

“This is the right time to contribute your feedback. Do not wait until the law is passed to raise concerns. Any provisions that require correction, enhancement, or inclusion to support industry growth should be identified now,” he urged.

Dato Sri Lee also emphasised the need for full compliance with international maritime safety requirements, noting that recent global regulatory developments have placed heightened focus on safety standards.

He concluded by calling upon stakeholders including federal agencies, the private sector, shipbuilding associations, shipping and logistics operators to provide constructive input to ensure that revised legislation reflects both current realities and future needs of the maritime industry.

The briefing concluded with expert presentations and in-depth discussions, enabling participants to strengthen their understanding of maritime liability limitations and to enhance collaboration between government bodies and industry players.

Also present were MOTS Deputy Minister, Dato Henry Harry Jinep, MOTS Head of Legal Division, Marjanah Adenan, MOTS Riverine and Maritime Division Officers, Rudy Beltran Paris, and Rahimee Dahlan. -UKASnews