STATEMENT BY
MR. SHAHARUDDIN ONN
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL
DEPARTMENT OF MARITIME AFFAIRS
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF MALAYSIA
ON AGENDA ITEM 14:
REPORTS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL UNDER ARTICLE 319 FOR THE INFORMATION OF STATE PARTIES ON ISSUES OF A GENERAL NATURE, RELEVANT TO STATE PARTIES, WHICH HAVE ARISEN WITH RESPECT TO THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF THE SEA
AT THE THIRTY-THIRD MEETING OF STATES PARTIES TO
THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF THE SEA
15 JUNE 2023
Mr. President,
Last year, the United Nations marked the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the UNCLOS. The 1982 UNCLOS is one of the most successful outcomes of multilateralism towards the realisation of a legal framework for all matters concerning the world’s oceans. We also acknowledge the outcomes of ocean-related meetings in 2022, which includes the United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development; and the intergovernmental conference on an international legally binding instrument under UNCLOS on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (IGC BBNJ). We will continue to further strengthen our efforts towards the protection of the oceans and seas.
2. My delegation would also like to thank the Secretary-General for the reports submitted pursuant to Article 319 on the latest developments and issues relating to ocean affairs and the law of the sea. We have witnessed that the COVID-19 pandemic had posed many challenges for ocean-based economic sectors, including those that depend on the ocean and its resources for food security and livelihoods, including coastal communities, in particular least developed countries and small island developing states.
3. As a trading nation located between two important and strategic waterways, namely the Straits of Malacca and Singapore and the South China Sea, Malaysia’s economy and development have been greatly contributed by marine-related resources, industries, and activities. We believe that sustainable ocean-based economies will play a crucial role in the COVID-19 recovery and achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals Agenda, including through building resilience in sectors such as tourism, fishing, and marine renewable energy.
4. In the context of the human dimension, Malaysia notes that the pandemic had also resulted in cases of seafarer abandonment. As party to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), Malaysia issued 21 Shipping Notices related to the rights and welfare of seafarers throughout the pandemic. Medical access for seafarers, including crew change, regardless of nationality and ship flag, was permitted without any prejudice at local ports. This includes vaccination programmes for seafarers.
5. On climate change and the ocean, Malaysia believes that a cooperative, coordinated, and integrated approach to ocean-related issues, including collective efforts to address the decline in the health of the oceans, continue to be paramount. We wish to share that a Malaysian port, Pelabuhan Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) has been selected to take part in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) – Norway GreenVoyage2050 and IMO-Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) Blue Solutions Projects. PTP’s green environmental efforts as outlined in its Decarbonization Roadmap i.e. Green Boats are in line with the goal of the IMO in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Malaysia remains committed to ensuring that the decarbonisation strategy is in line with the aspiration of IMO for the maritime sector through the development of a National Action Plan (NAP) on GHG emissions in shipping.
6. On ocean sustainability, particularly the conservation and sustainable use of living marine resources, Malaysia welcomes the acknowledgment by the Secretary-General of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies by the World Trade Organisation (WTO). While the main aim of the current Agreement is to address IUU Fishing and to ensure the sustainability of the fish stock, the Agreement also provides an exemption for subsidies or measures that are implemented to rebuild the stock to an appropriate sustainable level. This is in line with Target 18 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework concluded in December 2022 at the Conference of State Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The said target called for Parties to scale up positive incentives for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
7. In the same vein, Malaysia participates actively and looks forward to the outcome of the Negotiating Group on Rules (NGR) of the WTO on the outstanding issues to achieve a comprehensive agreement on fisheries subsidies. It is crucial for the NGR to continue recognising that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment to parties from developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the negotiations.
8. In addressing issues impacting the oceans and seas, among the key factors would be a coastal state’s capacity and capability. Capacities and capabilities would differ from one coastal state to another. This is where capacity-building and collaborative technical assistance from regional and international partners would be very much welcomed.
9. In closing, Malaysia looks forward to working closely with other delegations. Malaysia will continue to extend our firm support and cooperation on our work on oceans and the law of the sea at various opportunities.
Thank you.