KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Economy Rafizi Ramli today assured Sarawak that the proposed legislative framework for the carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) industry will adhere to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 platform's ongoing discussions on state boundaries.
In a statement issued today, Rafizi said, while the MA63 platform's discussion on the different interpretation of boundaries (between the federal government and the state government of Sarawak) is ongoing, the Ministry of Economy will keep abreast with its progress to ensure the CCUS legislation reflects the understanding reached.
In the meantime he said, the ministry , in developing the CCUS framework for Malaysia, will be guided and bound by the Attorney General Chamber's advice, including on issues related to the interpretation of boundaries between federal and state that has been outlined in the Continental Shelf Act (1966), Exclusive Economic Zone Act (1984) and Territorial Sea Act (2012).
Rafizi was responding to Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg's calls for clarification on the differing interpretations of state boundaries between the state government of Sarawak and the federal government.
Abang Johari also emphasised that any business in the state, especially those involving trade, must respect any rulings and rights of Sarawak state.
Rafizi expressed confidence in the MA63 platform's ability to find resolution for the issue, given the significant progress it has made on outstanding issues between the federal government, Sabah and Sarawak.