KUALA LUMPUR,El Sky News — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has firmly dismissed allegations that Malaysia ceded more than 5,000 hectares of land to Indonesia as part of border negotiations, calling the claims misleading and politically motivated.
Speaking amid growing public debate, Anwar stressed that no Malaysian territory was surrendered to Indonesia, clarifying that ongoing discussions between the two countries focus solely on technical border alignment based on long-established international treaties.
According to Anwar, the Malaysia–Indonesia land boundary in Borneo is governed by historical agreements dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including British–Dutch conventions. Current negotiations involve joint surveys and re-measurements to resolve so-called Outstanding Boundary Problems — areas where historical maps and modern geographical data do not fully align.
“The process is not about compensation or land swaps,” Anwar said, emphasizing that Malaysia’s sovereignty remains intact. He added that any adjustments discussed are based on historical demarcations, not new political concessions.
The controversy emerged following reports suggesting that Indonesia would receive approximately 5,207 hectares of land in exchange for recognizing several villages near the Sabah–Kalimantan border as part of Malaysia. Malaysian officials have since clarified that such reports misinterpreted technical boundary discussions and failed to reflect the legal status of the land involved.
Government sources noted that border negotiations between Malaysia and Indonesia have been ongoing for decades and are conducted through established diplomatic and technical channels. Both countries aim to reach a mutually recognized boundary framework to avoid future disputes and ensure administrative clarity for local communities.
The issue has sparked heated debate in Malaysia’s parliament, with opposition lawmakers questioning the government’s handling of the talks. In response, Anwar urged critics to rely on verified information rather than speculation, warning that misinformation could undermine public trust and bilateral relations.
Malaysia and Indonesia continue to engage in dialogue to finalize unresolved border sections, with officials from both sides reiterating their commitment to peaceful negotiation and respect for historical agreements.
