NST Leader: National Hydrographic Centre needs muscle

Malaysia's vast maritime territory, spanning over half a million square kilometres, significantly contributes to the nation's wealth due to its role in global maritime trade. However, only 63% of this maritime domain has been surveyed using modern high-density hydrographic standards, leaving a significant portion of our sea beds unmapped.

Rear Admiral Dr Najhan Md Said, director-general of the National Hydrographic Centre (NHC), revealed this during an interview with the New Sunday Times. The NHC currently possesses just one hydrographic survey ship, whereas the remaining 37% of the country's sea beds require mapping. Furthermore, the NHC lacks statutory power, relying on a 54-year-old administrative memo and the good graces of the cabinet.

Hydrographic surveys necessitate coordination among various government bodies, leading to potential bureaucratic delays.

The solution to these issues lies in enacting a dedicated Act of Parliament to establish the NHC as a permanent statutory authority directly under the Defence Ministry. This would streamline decision-making, secure long-term funding, and ensure the NHC's vital work is uninterrupted. The NHC's role extends beyond commercial shipping safety; it also protects national sovereignty and cultural identity.

Under international ocean protocols, nations must produce verified survey data to defend sea boundaries and name underwater features, a task the NHC is currently inadequately equipped to handle. With only one naval survey ship remaining, charting the remaining 37% of national waters could take up to 55 years. While leasing commercial ships has improved coverage from 50% to 63%, these temporary contracts are insufficient substitutes for a dedicated naval fleet.

Malaysia cannot effectively defend nor profit from waters it has not mapped. Thus, the National Hydrography Act must be passed to endow the NHC with full legal power and secure the necessary budget for additional naval survey vessels.