Will Sabah regain full administrative control of Sipadan and Ligitan islands?

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Sabah to Regain Full Administrative Control of Sipadan and Ligitan Islands

The federal government will return the administration of the Sipadan and Ligitan islands to Sabah, granting the state government full authority and control over their management. This decision signifies a formal surrender of the islands to Sabah, with the prime minister affirming Sabah's sovereignty rights over them. The islands will be placed under the supervision of Sabah Parks and protected under the Protected Areas and Protected Places Act 1959.
Formal Surrender of Islands to Sabah

The federal government has formally agreed to surrender the Sipadan and Ligitan islands to Sabah. This means that the entirety of the administrative authority and control pertaining to these two islands will now fall under the jurisdiction of the Sabah state government. This move aligns with previous agreements, as the Prime Minister’s Office had announced a similar decision in 2019 to return the management of these islands to Sabah.
Sabah Parks to Oversee Island Management

Under the new arrangement, the Sipadan and Ligitan islands will be under the direct supervision of Sabah Parks. This statutory body will be responsible for the protection and management of the islands, which will be safeguarded by the provisions of the Protected Areas and Protected Places Act 1959. This ensures that the natural environment and ecological significance of the islands are maintained.
Federal Government Retains Security Control

While administrative control will be transferred to Sabah, the federal government will maintain its purview over security matters concerning the Sipadan and Ligitan islands. The Sabah and Sarawak Affairs Division (BHESS) and the National Security Council Malaysia (MKN) will collaborate to arrange the complete handover process, ensuring a seamless transition of responsibilities.
Previous Commitments and Ongoing Discussions

The decision to return administrative control of the islands to Sabah is a reaffirmation of earlier commitments. Although the previous administration had agreed in principle to resolve numerous issues, including the management of these islands, the formal transfer of policies, laws, and regulations is now being actioned. Discussions also continue regarding other key issues such as oil royalties and the return of special grants for Sabah.

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Will Sabah regain full administrative control of Sipadan and Ligitan islands?

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