Sabah Law Society Calls for Clarity on Malaysia–Indonesia Border Processes Affecting Sabah

25 January 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Law Society (SLS) has called for clear and comprehensive disclosure regarding recent developments along the Malaysia–Indonesia border near Sabah, following differing public accounts reported in Malaysian and Indonesian media.

In a statement issued today, SLS President Datuk Mohamed Nazim Maduarin said the society had taken note of reports referring to boundary-related processes involving Sabah, including claims concerning the status of several villages in Nunukan Regency, 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 occurred. Authorities have explained that engagements with Indonesia involve 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. Reports suggesting otherwise have been described as inaccurate.

However, Mohamed Nazim noted that segments of the Indonesian media, citing Indonesian officials, have characterised the same developments differently.

These reports have referred to three villages in Nunukan Regency being placed under Malaysian administration following what was described as a boundary adjustment, and have cited a figure of approximately 5,207 hectares in connection with the outcome of the process.

“These accounts remain part of the public record and have contributed to public discussion on both sides of the border,” he said.

He added that recent media reporting, including accounts originating from Indonesian sources, has presented a narrative that differs materially from Malaysia’s official position. While Malaysian authorities have denied that any land was given, exchanged or surrendered, the continued circulation of a specific numerical figure alongside official denials underscores the need for clear and documented explanations.

According to the SLS, Indonesian reporting refers to villages and compensation arising from a boundary adjustment, while Malaysia has characterised the process as one of technical demarcation.

Mohamed Nazim said these were not merely differences in emphasis, but descriptions of fundamentally different legal realities that cannot both apply to the same outcome without clear and reconciling legal documentation.

He also noted that while figures relating to land area have been cited publicly, no corresponding official land-area data for the villages referred to has been disclosed, further reinforcing the need for clear documentation and official mapping.

“SLS does not take a position on media narratives,” he said. “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.”

Mohamed Nazim emphasised that Sabah occupies a distinct constitutional position within the Federation of Malaysia, and that matters affecting its territorial boundaries are not routine administrative or technical exercises. Such matters, he said, engage core principles of constitutional governance, federal–state relations and public accountability.

He added that the issue affects not only Sabah’s interests but those of the nation as a whole, and that any matter touching on territorial integrity must be addressed through clear explanations grounded in law and official records.

In this regard, SLS called for the disclosure of the legal and technical basis underpinning the developments being reported, including, where applicable, relevant agreements, legal instruments, joint survey records and official maps. Such disclosure, the statement said, is necessary to reconcile differing public accounts and to maintain public confidence in constitutional processes affecting Sabah.

The SLS said it will continue to monitor the matter closely and remains committed to upholding constitutional governance and safeguarding the legal interests of Sabah and its people.