Bandar seri begawan: The long-delayed Malaysia-Brunei border issue was among the topics discussed at the 27th Annual Leaders' Consultation (ALC-27) between the two countries today. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that both nations have made significant progress, having completed approximately 50 percent of the border demarcation process.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized the importance of ongoing meetings between representatives from both countries to ensure a resolution to both land and maritime border issues. He assured that territorial rights would not be compromised. "We need to look after each other's interests so that these border demarcation efforts benefit both countries," Anwar stated at a closing press conference during his two-day working visit to Brunei.

Anwar highlighted ALC-27 as an ideal platform for resolving outstanding issues and fortifying bilateral relations. Additionally, he mentioned that Malaysia and Brunei have agreed in principle to ease the movement of people between the two nations, noting the current immigration challenges due to outdated regulations.

The Prime Minister urged the technical committee, in collaboration with Sarawak and Sabah, to expedite the process of improving immigration procedures. "We understand that the immigration process is lengthy, and involves passing through several immigration checkpoints before reaching the destination," he said.

The Malaysian delegation, led by Anwar, arrived at Istana Nurul Iman around 11 am for ALC-27, attended by the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. Both leaders witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on disaster management cooperation, aimed at enhancing preparedness and response capabilities.

Dignitaries present included Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, and Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.