By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 7: Sarawak has begun implementing its Marine Cadastre Roadmap for 2026-2028 in a major move to strengthen governance over its marine resources, maritime boundaries, offshore development and blue economy potential.
Sarawak Land and Survey Department director Datu Awang Zamhari Awang Mahmood said the implementation is already underway through a collaboration between the Department and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
“Marine Cadastre is an integrated system that manages maritime boundaries, marine spatial data, marine records, rights, restrictions and responsibilities (3R) across the sea surface, water column and seabed.
“In summary, it is a tool similar to land cadastre but adapted for the dynamic, multilayered environment of the sea, crucial for managing the blue economy and protecting marine interests,” he said when speaking at the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM) Surveyor’s Congress 2026 held at Grand Riverine Ballroom in Petanak today.
He further said the system is especially important for Sarawak as it supports sustainable governance, marine spatial planning, environmental protection, offshore Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), and the development of marine resources.
According to him, Marine Cadastre will also help define maritime boundaries and zoning more clearly, reducing jurisdictional conflicts between competing marine activities while protecting Sarawak’s interests.
The initiative further enables the integration of land and marine spatial planning into a comprehensive 3D and even 4D framework, including mapping and management of water columns, seabeds, and sub-seabed spaces.
Awang Zamhari revealed that the roadmap consists of nine implementation scopes, aimed at improving administration of marine areas and resources in a more efficient, effective, and comprehensive manner.
He said the initiative aligns with Sarawak’s wider sustainability and economic agenda under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), particularly in positioning the State as a regional leader in green energy and the blue economy.
Also present were RISM deputy president Professor Sr Mohd Khairuddin Abdul Halim, RISM Sarawak chairman Sr Norman Chai Wuihern, and Surveyor’s Congress organising chairman Sr Ngo Chee Hong. — DayakDaily
