Hajiji denies Indonesia’s claim on Pulau Sebatik

 The Sabah chief minister says a report stating an area on the island has been ceded to Indonesia is inaccurate.

Indonesian news agency Antara reported yesterday that Indonesia gained 127.3 hectares on Pulau Sebatik following the finalisation of its border with Malaysia. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor has denied claims that a 127.3-hectare area on Pulau Sebatik has been ceded to Indonesia.

According to a Berita Harian report, Hajiji said the claims were inaccurate and did not reflect the actual outcome of the Malaysia-Indonesia border negotiations.

“That is not true. Who said it was handed over? Who said it? Indonesian media? That is not true,” he said at an event in Lahad Datu.

Indonesian news agency Antara quoted presidential chief of staff Muhammad Qodari as saying that the republic’s territory had expanded by 127.3 hectares on Pulau Sebatik, North Kalimantan, following the completion of land boundary delimitation with Malaysia.

Muhammad said the land, previously under Malaysia, now legally belongs to Indonesia, while about 4.9 hectares along Indonesia’s former border has become part of Malaysia.

International media previously reported that three villages in the Nunukan Regency of North Kalimantan were allegedly included in Malaysian territory following the realignment of the border.

The three villages – Kampung Kabungalor, Kampung Lipaga, and Kampung Tetagas – are located near the Tawau border in Sabah. - FMT