24/01/2026
Press Statement
On the Need for Clarity in Malaysia–Indonesia Border Processes Affecting Sabah
The Sabah Law Society (“SLS”) has taken note of recent reports in both Malaysian and Indonesian media concerning developments along the Malaysia–Indonesia border in the vicinity of Sabah. These reports refer to boundary-related processes, the status of several villages in Nunukan, North Kalimantan, and figures cited in relation to land area.
On the Malaysian side, the Federal Government has publicly stated that no cession or transfer of Malaysian territory has taken place. Malaysian authorities have explained that engagements with Indonesia relate to long-standing technical processes of boundary demarcation and verification, conducted in accordance with international law, and that these processes do not involve compensation, reciprocity, or any exchange of land. It has further been stated that reports suggesting the transfer of land are inaccurate.
At the same time, reports circulating in segments of the Indonesian media, citing Indonesian officials, describe the same developments in materially different terms. These reports refer to three villages in Nunukan Regency being placed under Malaysian administration following what is described as a boundary adjustment, and have also cited a figure of approximately 5,207 hectares in connection with the outcome of these processes. These accounts remain part of the public record and have contributed to public discussion on both sides of the border.
Recent media reporting, including accounts originating from Indonesian sources, has therefore presented a narrative that differs in substance from Malaysia’s official position. Malaysian authorities, however, have publicly stated that the figure cited does not represent any land given, exchanged, or surrendered by Malaysia, and arises from media narratives surrounding technical boundary processes. The coexistence of a specific numerical figure in public reporting and an official denial of any territorial transfer underscores the need for clear, documented explanation.
Indonesian reporting speaks in terms of villages and compensation arising from a boundary adjustment, while Malaysia has characterised the process as one of technical demarcation. These are not merely differences of emphasis; they describe fundamentally different legal realities. They cannot both characterise the same outcome without clear and reconciling legal documentation.
While figures have been cited in relation to hectares, no corresponding land-area data has been publicly disclosed for the villages referred to, reinforcing the need for clear documentation and official mapping.
SLS does not take a position on media narratives. However, where two materially different public accounts exist on matters touching Sabah’s territorial boundaries, clarity cannot rest on assurances alone, but must be grounded in law, documentation, and official record.
Sabah occupies a distinct constitutional position within the Federation of Malaysia. Matters touching on its territorial boundaries are therefore not routine administrative or technical exercises. They engage core principles of constitutional governance, federal–state relations, and public accountability, regardless of the terminology used.
The issue affects not only Sabah’s interests but the interests of the country as a whole, and any matter touching on its territorial integrity must be addressed through clear explanations grounded in law and official record.
In this regard, SLS calls for clear and comprehensive disclosure of the legal and technical basis underpinning the developments being reported, including — where applicable — the relevant agreements, instruments, joint survey records, and official maps. Such disclosure is necessary to reconcile differing public accounts and to maintain public confidence in constitutional processes affecting Sabah.
The Sabah Law Society will continue to observe these developments closely. In doing so, SLS remains committed to upholding constitutional governance and safeguarding the legal interests of Sabah and its people, firmly, calmly, and without compromise.
Datuk Mohamed Nazim Maduarin
President
24 January 2026
