Malaysia Bolsters Security off Borneo States
Malaysia is bolstering its security presence in East Malaysia by building a new naval base, the Region 4 Naval Headquarters, in Sarawak, as a deterrent to tensions in the South China Sea. Set to be completed by 2030, the base will enhance Malaysia's ability to patrol its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The resource-rich waters off Sarawak and Sabah, Luconia Shoals, fall within the EEZ zone and are home to numerous oil and gas sites which host robust US-partnered investment projects.
The naval base is indeed expected to improve Malaysia’s ability to patrol and defend its EEZ. Yet Malaysia remains focused on pursuing primarily diplomatic approaches such as active rounds of negotiation regarding a code of conduct for the South China Sea.
Sarawak, the larger of the two East Malaysian states, is a hub for natural resources with its large reserves of offshore oil and gas, hydrogen energy facilities, and vast renewable energy potential. These are critical to Malaysia’s economic growth and safeguarding them aligns with Malaysia’ ASEAN Chairmanship theme of “Sustainability and Inclusivity.”