Whiter Malaysia’s Direction In Safeguarding Its Maritime Assets?

From coastal communities of pre-independent Malay states till now throughout history Malaysians have relied on the seas and coasts to provide for their economic and social wellbeing. An estimated 70% of our population lives along the coastal areas. The sea is an important and often overlooked facet of Malaysia’s unique identity and status of its coastal communities. Our ocean and sea are critical for food security (including nutrition) and for sustaining economic prosperity. Malaysia depends upon offshore economic activities such as extraction of petroleum and gas, fisheries and tourism. The petroleum industry is the main offshore activity. The ocean and seas also offer renewable energy generation potential, transportation corridors and recreational opportunities. Malaysia’s 4,800 kilometres ofcoastline also has a rich ecosystem and biodiversity. We also use and value the seas and coasts for a variety of non-economic reasons for social and spiritual value to ultimately enhance our lifestyles.