Sarawak sets sights on 2029 full implementation of marine cadastre surveying
Posted on 07 May 2026
Source of News: The Borneo Post
Awang Zamhari, accompanied by Mohd Khairudin, speaking to reporters at the RISM Sarawak Surveyors Congress 2026 in Kuching.
KUCHING (May 7): Sarawak is positioning itself as one of the pioneering states in Malaysia to introduce marine cadastre surveying, with full implementation expected in 2029.
This initiative will pave the way for better governance of the state’s vast coastal and seabed resources amid growing interest in the blue economy and offshore development.
Land and Survey Department director Datu Awang Zamhari Awang Mahmood said the state has embarked on a new Marine Cadastre Roadmap initiative aimed at establishing a comprehensive framework for surveying, mapping and managing marine areas, including the water column and seabed.
“We must have a Marine Cadastre because for us to manage our marine areas, we need to have proper records, similar to how we already have a recording system for surveys on land areas or land parcels,” he said at the Royal Institute of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM) Sarawak Surveyors Congress 2026 held here on Thursday.
He added that the initiative is crucial as Sarawak moves to strengthen its role in the blue economy, particularly in oil and gas development and carbon storage.
According to him, the state government has mandated the Land and Survey Department to spearhead the initiative in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
“Under the Marine Cadastre Roadmap, the period between 2026 and 2028 will focus on finalising all aspects related to Marine Cadastre, including legislation, registration systems and surveying mechanisms.
“God willing, by 2029 we will embark on full implementation of what we call Marine Cadastre survey. At the moment, we are still preparing the framework, including the legal aspects needed for mapping,” he explained.
Awang Zamhari stressed that the initiative carries major long-term implications for Sarawak due to its extensive coastline and offshore potential, noting that Sarawak’s legal framework places the state in a unique position compared with Peninsular Malaysia.
“In terms of legislation, we administer our land, including coastal areas and the seabed, under the Land Code. So, the Sarawak Land Code is practical for Sarawak because land matters are our own matters.
“If we compare with states in Peninsular Malaysia, surveying work is under a different department and different legislation. So, in the context of Sarawak, we believe we are among the prime movers in Malaysia in introducing marine surveying,” he said.
He also revealed that the department is expected to undertake a benchmarking and study trip to Australia, including Perth and Queensland, in September to learn from jurisdictions with more established Marine Cadastre systems.
Also present were RISM deputy president Prof (I) Mohd Khairudin Abdul Halim.
