Malaysia and Indonesia advance joint land border survey in Sabah's interior

A joint Malaysia-Indonesia land boundary demarcation and measurement mission is underway in Sabah’s Outstanding Boundary Problem area covering the Sungai Sinapad-Sungai Sesai region. The Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM) reported that the operation is progressing without major issues, reflecting strong technical collaboration between the two nations. Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Arthur Joseph Kurup made a field visit to Boundary Marker B2787, located in the Pensiangan and Nabawan districts, to witness the survey teams’ work firsthand.

Surveyors faced challenges posed by rugged interior terrain, thick forest, and the need for precise measurements to avoid technical errors. As part of the implementation of the Malaysia-Indonesia boundary agreement finalized on 18 February 2025, old markers were removed and new points established. The effort is led by JUPEM’s Sabah Topographic Mapping Division, working alongside the Indonesian survey team, the Malaysian Armed Forces, various supporting agencies, and local residents, underscoring the countries’ commitment to accurate, mutually agreed borders.