Kuala lumpur: The government, through the Ministry of Transport (MOT), today officially established the Malaysia Maritime Law Revision and Reform Committee (MLRRC). The committee is chaired by Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan, with High Court of Malaya (Admiralty) judge Ong Chee Kwan serving as the deputy chairperson.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the presentation ceremony of appointment letters to the MLRRC members was officiated by Transport Minister Anthony Loke. This marks the official commencement of efforts to review and reform the country’s maritime laws. The establishment of the committee aims to strengthen the legal framework of the maritime sector in line with the Prime Minister’s mandate through Initiative 10: Legal and Institutional Reforms in the presentation of Budget 2025.
The MOT announced that the creation of this committee reflects the government’s commitment to developing a modern and responsive national maritime legal system to align with the complex landscape of global maritime trade. Given that 94.6 percent of Malaysia’s trade is conducted via sea, efficient and internationally aligned maritime laws are essential.
According to the MOT, the MLRRC will undertake a phased review process, reforming and drafting maritime laws, with consideration of the complexity of each legislative instrument involved. The committee is also tasked with recommending improvements to maritime laws under the ministry and other agencies, acknowledging the polycentric nature of the country’s maritime legal system.
The first phase of the MLRRC’s work will focus on six key legislative instruments, including the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1960 (Sabah), Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1960 (Sarawak), Penang Port Commission Act 1955, Port Authorities Act 1963, and Port (Privatization) Act 1990.
Meanwhile, the MOT detailed that the MLRRC membership comprises 23 permanent members from various sectors, including government representatives, legal practitioners, academics, and industry experts. To enhance technical expertise, eight ad hoc experts have been appointed in fields such as shipping, port operations, maritime training, and international shipping law.
The legal review and renewal process will proceed in stages until next year, in line with the National Transport Policy and supporting the National Maritime Legal Reform agenda. The MOT remains dedicated to strengthening governance and the maritime legal framework to ensure the national shipping industry’s competitiveness at regional and global levels.