(Kuching, 15th) — The Sarawak Ministry of Transport held a maritime law briefing yesterday, focusing on the topic: "Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims: Practical Relevance to Sarawak."
The meeting brought together representatives from government agencies, the shipping industry, the Sarawak Attorney General's Office, the Sarawak River Authority, the Sarawak Maritime Authority, Kuching Port Authority, Miri Port Authority, Bintulu Port Authority, the Sarawak and Sabah Shipowners Association, Sarawak Shipping Association, and practitioners from the maritime legal sector.
The main presentation was delivered by maritime lawyer Dr. Arun Kasi, who shared his professional expertise on the subject. Attendees also included Rudy Andrew, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian Insurance & Compensation Limited.
In his speech, Sarawak Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin emphasized that understanding the legal framework and the practical impact of liability limitation is crucial, especially for shipowners and stakeholders in the maritime sector.
“Maritime law plays an increasingly important role in safeguarding and promoting the development of Sarawak's shipping and maritime industries. We must ensure our laws keep pace with the times, align with international standards, and are aimed at facilitating rather than hindering industry development.”
The Minister noted that Sarawak is governed by the 1960 Sarawak Merchant Shipping Ordinance, which covers certain areas under Sarawak jurisdiction. He further pointed out that the Federal Government has established a legal review committee, with the Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Transport as members, to review and revise relevant maritime legislation, including the Sarawak Merchant Shipping Ordinance.
He urged that now is the best time to provide feedback. Do not wait until after the legislation has passed to raise concerns. Any clauses that need to be amended, improved, or incorporated to support industry development should be identified immediately.
Lee Kim Shin also stressed the necessity of full compliance with international maritime safety requirements, noting that recent global regulatory developments have placed greater emphasis on safety standards.
He concluded by calling on stakeholders—including federal agencies, the private sector, shipbuilding associations, and shipping and logistics operators—to provide constructive input, ensuring that the revised legislation reflects both the current state and future needs of the shipping industry.
The briefing concluded with expert presentations and in-depth discussions, allowing participants to deepen their understanding of limitations of maritime liability and strengthen cooperation between government agencies and industry stakeholders.
The main presentation was delivered by maritime lawyer Dr. Arun Kasi, who shared his professional expertise on the subject. Attendees also included Rudy Andrew, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian Insurance & Compensation Limited.
In his speech, Sarawak Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin emphasized that understanding the legal framework and the practical impact of liability limitation is crucial, especially for shipowners and stakeholders in the maritime sector.
“Maritime law plays an increasingly important role in safeguarding and promoting the development of Sarawak's shipping and maritime industries. We must ensure our laws keep pace with the times, align with international standards, and are aimed at facilitating rather than hindering industry development.”
The Minister noted that Sarawak is governed by the 1960 Sarawak Merchant Shipping Ordinance, which covers certain areas under Sarawak jurisdiction. He further pointed out that the Federal Government has established a legal review committee, with the Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Transport as members, to review and revise relevant maritime legislation, including the Sarawak Merchant Shipping Ordinance.
He urged that now is the best time to provide feedback. Do not wait until after the legislation has passed to raise concerns. Any clauses that need to be amended, improved, or incorporated to support industry development should be identified immediately.
Lee Kim Shin also stressed the necessity of full compliance with international maritime safety requirements, noting that recent global regulatory developments have placed greater emphasis on safety standards.
He concluded by calling on stakeholders—including federal agencies, the private sector, shipbuilding associations, and shipping and logistics operators—to provide constructive input, ensuring that the revised legislation reflects both the current state and future needs of the shipping industry.
The briefing concluded with expert presentations and in-depth discussions, allowing participants to deepen their understanding of limitations of maritime liability and strengthen cooperation between government agencies and industry stakeholders.