Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam have reaffirmed their long-standing ties and agreed to deepen cooperation across key sectors, following a State Visit by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah to Malaysia from 25 to 27 August 2025, at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
The highlight of the visit was the 26th Annual Leaders’ Consultation (ALC) between Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya on 27 August, where both leaders committed to advancing bilateral collaboration, strengthening regional cooperation through ASEAN, and addressing shared challenges for the prosperity of their peoples.
Bilateral Relations and Border Issues
The leaders reviewed progress on the 2009 Exchange of Letters (EOL) governing land boundary demarcation and reaffirmed their commitment to resolve outstanding issues, particularly in Sector F-G, based on the watershed principle. They set a joint target to complete demarcation in 2027, with 41% of the boundary already finalised. Maritime cooperation was also discussed, with both sides agreeing to establish a joint ad-hoc committee to manage related matters.
Both leaders underlined the importance of boosting trade and investment ties, particularly in energy, connectivity, agriculture, tourism, and the Halal industry. Initiatives include:
- Strengthening joint ventures between PETRONAS and the Petroleum Authority of Brunei.
- Advancing cross-border power interconnection between Brunei and Sarawak to enable bilateral energy trade.
- Expanding business links via the Brunei-Sabah and Brunei-Sarawak Joint Business Councils.
- Exploring opportunities in commercial paddy cultivation, livestock integration, and Halal branding.
- Continued collaboration under the MoU between MIDA and Brunei Investment Agency to facilitate two-way investment.
Both sides welcomed improved infrastructure links such as the Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Bridge and progress on the Pan Borneo Highway, which are expected to facilitate trade, tourism, and cross-border mobility. Air connectivity will be expanded through Royal Brunei Airlines’ collaboration with the Sabah Tourism Board, while digital connectivity is set to grow under a new bandwidth leasing agreement between Brunei’s Unified National Network and Sarawak’s Sacofa from 2026.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ASEAN unity, regional peace, and stability in the South China Sea under UNCLOS. They also expressed grave concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, strongly condemning Israel’s actions and calling for immediate international intervention and recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state.
The consultation underscored the enduring partnership between Malaysia and Brunei, anchored in shared history, culture, and values. Both governments pledged to maintain momentum in border resolution, economic integration, and regional leadership through ASEAN, while fostering stronger private sector collaboration and people-to-people exchanges.
His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah concluded the visit by extending his warmest congratulations to Malaysia ahead of its 68th Independence Day on 31 August 2025.
Source: https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2025/08/27/malaysia-brunei-agree-to-complete-boundary-issue-by-2027/

