MIMA Bulletin (Volume 34 2024)

Book excerpt: Special focus: Navigating Malaysia towards a Developed Maritime Nation: The Urgency of Comprehensive National Maritime Economy Policy Description: Malaysia's maritime industry emphasises its pivotal role in the country’s global trade and economic growth. The potential for significant growth in ocean-based industries, including marine aquaculture and offshore wind energy, has emphasised the importance of maritime economy and sustainable ocean resource management. This article, hence, aims at assessing Malaysia’s trade, industrial, and investment policies, noting a generally liberal environment and at the same time highlighting challenges within its implementation—including regulatory gaps and restrictions in critical sectors—and also areas for improvement. The maritime economy is not just an economic strategy, it is a commitment to long-term development, environmental stewardship, and global engagement. By recognising the potential of its maritime sector, Malaysia can chart a course towards sustained economic preeminence, making waves for a developed maritime nation in the 21st century. The development of a comprehensive national maritime economy policy would be able to address private sector concerns while promoting active participation in regional trade agreements. The article concludes by urging Malaysia to adopt a co-management principle for sustained prosperity and recognition as a true maritime nation. Content: - Editorial - From the Bridge - Special Focus: Navigating Malaysia Towards A Developed Maritime Nation: The Urgency of Comprehensive National Maritime Economy Policy (Mohamad Rosni Othman) - SECURITY: Royal Malaysian Navy: The Great Defender of The Nation at The 90's (Haikal Amran & Sumathy Permal) - SHIPPING: A New Compass of Malaysia’s Shipping Industry (Syuhaida Ismail & Wan Muhammad Amirul Amin Md. Akhir) - ECONOMY: Harnessing Wealth from The Ocean: Driving A National Inspiration For Sustainable Blue Economy (Cheryl Rita Kaur, Fatin Anis Azzahra Kamarudin & Muhammad Aslam Adenan) - ENVIRONMENT: Deep Diving Towards Decarbonisation (Nazery Khalid)