Malaysia Objects to Philippine Maritime Laws Overlapping Sabah Claims

Malaysia has formally protested new Philippine maritime laws, citing concerns over territorial claims in Sabah.

Malaysia's Deputy Foreign Minister Mohamad Alamin announced a protest note sent to the Philippines regarding new maritime laws.
The laws, signed by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., reaffirm the country's maritime territories, including disputed areas in the South China Sea.
Malaysia argues that the laws extend Philippine claims into internationally recognized Malaysian boundaries set in 1979.
The Philippines has a longstanding claim to Sabah, a region currently part of Malaysia, due to historical ties to the Sultanate of Sulu.
Analysts urge Malaysia and the Philippines to focus on unified negotiations with China and ASEAN over South China Sea disputes.