Sarawak Makes History with Inaugural Maritime Day Forum

Kuching – P&I Malaysia was honoured to be part of the inaugural Sarawak Maritime Day Forum, organized by the Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) in conjunction with the state’s efforts to strengthen its maritime sector.

Two distinguished maritime convention and liabilities speakers, Mr. Rudy Andrew Jeyaraj, CEO of P&I Malaysia, and Prof. Dr. Norman Martinez Gutierrez, Director of the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), Malta, addressed the forum on the topic “Navigating Liability and Claims in a Complex Maritime Economy.”

Their discussion highlighted the importance of maritime conventions adopted in Malaysia and outlined the steps Sarawak can take to align its legal and regulatory framework with international standards. This alignment is key to ensuring the state’s maritime industry remains competitive, sustainable and attractive for future investment.

During his keynote address and official opening of the event, YB Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Sarawak Minister of Transport announced that the Sarawak Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1960 will undergo a comprehensive review over the next two years. This review aims to incorporate critical new provisions on green energy adoption and digital transformation in the maritime sector.

To oversee this initiative, a special committee has been formed, comprising officials from the Ministry of Transport Sarawak and the State Attorney General’s Chambers. Their mandate is to ensure that Sarawak’s maritime laws remain relevant, future-proof and aligned with international maritime standards.

The forum was also graced by several prominent figures in Malaysia’s maritime ecosystem, including:

• Dato Henry Harry Jinep, Deputy Minister for Riverine and Marine Transport, Sarawak
• Datuk Hj Dickson Dollah, Director-General, Marine Department Malaysia
• Mr. Bianus Muyou, Director, Marine Sarawak Region
• Lt. Col. Ding Tiew Wong, Controller, Sarawak River Board

Their presence signalled strong institutional support for maritime legal reform and the state’s commitment to becoming a regional maritime leader.

P&I Malaysia is proud to contribute to this important dialogue and remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen Sarawak’s maritime industry through knowledge sharing, legal modernization and international collaboration.