Pertahanan diperkukuh susulan risiko pertembungan ‘kuasa besar’ di Laut China Selatan

Malaysia must bolster its defense, particularly in Sabah, as a precautionary measure in case of conflicts or incidents involving major powers in the South China Sea, according to Malaysian Defense Minister Khaled Nordin. The minister expressed concerns that an unforeseen event in the region might have repercussions for Malaysia, especially given its small geographical size.

Speaking after a National Defense Literacy event in Kota Kinabalu, Nordin highlighted the growing concern among the people of Sabah following the increased cooperation in defense between the Philippines and the United States, which has led to the construction of military bases, including on Balabac Island in Palawan, about 50km from Banggi Island in Sabah.

Since 2014, China has claimed a large portion of the South China Sea, a crucial trading route for global maritime traffic and fishing activities. However, this claim is disputed by several countries, including the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam. According to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, an American think tank, at least one Chinese patrol vessel entered and operated in Malaysian waters every day between January 1 and September 27, 2024.

Nordin reiterated Malaysia's respect for the Philippines' right to enhance its defense capabilities through cooperation with Washington, but stressed that the construction of the base on Balabac Island, in particular, requires attention from Putrajaya due to its proximity to Sabah. "Every country has the right to enhance its own defense," he said.

"This is their right, we do not interfere, but as a neighboring country, we are concerned and should take actions that can help our country in terms of defense."