Kuala lumpur: The South China Sea must remain free from disruption and hostile actions to protect the rapidly growing regional economies, including Malaysia, according to Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah. The strategically important waters are pivotal for international commerce, and any conflict escalation could have far-reaching consequences.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hasbi highlighted the global economic pressures affecting the region, such as trade volatility and tariff tensions, given the South China Sea’s role as a crucial maritime artery. He emphasized Malaysia’s dedication to keeping the waters a zone of peace and cooperation, vital for global maritime flows and the nation’s economic health. Malaysia’s economy is deeply tied to the sea, with nearly 40% of its GDP arising from maritime activities and over 98% of trade by volume transported by sea. In 2024, Malaysia’s maritime trade throughput surpassed 778 million tonnes, ranking its ports among the world’s top 20 in container handling.
Hasbi noted that the South China Sea carries 21% of global trade valued at USD3.37 trillion annually. It is also rich in marine and energy resources, featuring one of the world’s most productive fishing grounds and holding an estimated 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 11 billion barrels of oil. He pointed out that conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East show how land instability can disrupt maritime supply chains, referencing attacks near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that significantly reduced vessel calls and cargo volumes along the Red Sea in 2024.
Citing the expansion of the ‘dark fleet’ due to sanctions in conflict areas, Hasbi stressed the need to safeguard the South China Sea against similar threats. He called for ongoing dialogue, confidence-building measures, and strict adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), to protect coastal communities and maritime livelihoods.
Meanwhile, MIMA chairman Datuk Suffian Awang noted that this year’s conference theme, ‘Regional Unity and Strategic Resolve in the South China Sea,’ aligns with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025. The chairmanship prioritizes inclusivity, stability, and sustainable development amid shifting regional dynamics, geopolitical competition, and humanitarian challenges. He also underscored the South China Sea’s role in global connectivity, hosting extensive subsea communication cables crucial for international digital infrastructure.