KUALA LUMPUR — The long-standing Malaysia-Brunei border issue was among the key matters discussed during the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation (ALC-27) between the two countries today.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia and Brunei had so far completed about 50% of the border demarcation process, with further discussions to be held to resolve outstanding land and maritime boundary matters, Bernama reported.
“Representatives of both countries will hold meetings so that we can resolve this issue (land and maritime borders). In our efforts to demarcate the border, we will not compromise the territorial rights of either Brunei or Malaysia.
“We need to look after each other’s interests so that these border demarcation efforts benefit both countries,” he said at a closing press conference following his two-day working visit to Brunei.
Anwar described ALC-27 as an important platform for both nations to address unresolved matters while strengthening bilateral ties.
He also said Malaysia and Brunei had agreed in principle to facilitate the movement of people between the two countries by improving existing immigration procedures.
“Immigration issues must also be improved as there are difficulties in entering each other’s countries due to outdated regulations.
“We have asked the technical committee involved in these negotiations at the federal level, in cooperation with Sarawak and Sabah, to expedite this process. We understand that the immigration process is lengthy, and involves passing through several immigration checkpoints before reaching the destination,” he said.
Earlier, Anwar and the Malaysian delegation arrived at Istana Nurul Iman at about 11am to attend ALC-27, which was also witnessed by Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
The Prime Minister and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on disaster management cooperation between Malaysia and Brunei.
The agreement aims to enhance collaboration in disaster management, including strengthening preparedness and response capabilities in dealing with future emergencies.
Also present were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. — August 22, 2026