Governing Marine Space in Peninsular Malaysia: A Framework for Marine Spatial Planning (MSP)

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is recognized as an integrated, ecosystem-based approach towards promoting sustainable ocean. Its implementation is highly dependent on national governance arrangements, particularly in federal nations such as Malaysia, where constitutional authority over land, coastal, and marine resources is divided. To understand the constitutional framework of ocean governance in Malaysia, this paper assesses the feasibility of governance for MSP implementation by highlighting the application of MSP in Peninsular Malaysia, using Kuala Terengganu–Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, as a case study via content analysis for mapping the existing legal and institutional landscape of marine and coastal planning. As Malaysia governance divided into state and federal constitution, the implementation of MSP requires policies and institutional setup adapted from the Federal Constitution. The existing governance framework from a mature statutory spatial planning system under the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172) is adequate for MSP implementation via applying the Local Plan adaptivity rather than creating new legal framework. However, this requires strong political will and effective harmonization between federal and state governments; success also hinges on legal reforms that resolve the federal–state divide by proposing PLANMalaysia and Local Planning Authorities as the competent authorities at the national and local levels.