Malaysia protests new Phl maritime laws

Malaysia has protested new maritime laws in the Philippines that it says encroach on its territory, a government official said Friday.

- Michael Punongbayan

Deputy Foreign Minister Mohamad Alamin said Malaysia sent a protest note on Thursday over the Philippine laws.

Experts have found that reference documents related to the laws restated Manila's long-standing claim over the oil-rich Malaysian state of Sabah in northern Borneo, he said.

Last week, President Marcos signed the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, which reaffirmed the country's maritime territories and right to resources, including in the South China Sea.

They further cement Manila's rejection of Chinese claims to virtually the entire South China Sea and stipulate jail terms and stiff fines for violators. The laws have also angered China.

The Philippines, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Indonesia and Taiwan all claim parts of the South China Sea.