Kuala Lampur, June 27 -- Ratifying the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) seems like a no-brainer for a maritime nation like Malaysia. With coastlines on both the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca, our destiny is tied to the ocean. The Treaty, which came into force in January 2026, promises access to marine genetic resources, a voice in creating high seas protected areas, and a mechanism for technology transfer. But here is the sobering truth: Malaysia is not ready to ratify. Not yet. This was made clear during a recent online sharing by NRES, the host Ministry.

Before we deposit our instrument of ratification, we must confront two ugly realities: gaping legal holes in our domestic framework and a science deficit. If we rush in, we risk be...