The 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation between Malaysia and Brunei took place on August 21-22, 2026, in Bandar Seri Begawan. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim led the Malaysian delegation and met privately with Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at Istana Nurul Iman on August 22 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7].
A key topic at the consultation was the long-delayed Malaysia-Brunei border demarcation. About 50% of the land and maritime border has been marked so far. "Representatives of both countries will hold meetings so that we can resolve this issue. In our efforts to demarcate the border, we will not compromise the territorial rights of either Brunei or Malaysia," Anwar said. He added that the border talks seek to balance both countries’ interests with benefits for both sides [1, 8, 6].
Malaysia and Brunei also agreed in principle to facilitate cross-border movement and improve immigration processes, which currently are hampered by outdated regulations. Anwar said Malaysia has tasked technical committees, including Sarawak and Sabah representatives, to accelerate reforms to shorten the multiple immigration checkpoints travelers face [1, 6, 9].
The leaders signed a Memorandum of Understanding on disaster management cooperation, aiming to strengthen preparedness and response capabilities in both countries [1, 8, 6]. Malaysia’s delegation included Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, and Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani [1, 2, 3, 6].
Trade between Malaysia and Brunei reached RM5.86 billion (USD 1.37 billion) in 2025 and stood at RM2.38 billion (USD 0.6 billion) in the first half of 2026 [2]. During ALC-27, Anwar emphasized strengthening federal ties with Sarawak and Sabah, discussing preparations for the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Implementation Action Council meeting in Kota Kinabalu with state leaders Abang Johari and Hajiji [9].
Anwar expressed gratitude for Brunei’s hospitality, noting he was hosted at an official banquet and conferred the Darjah Kerabat Laila Utama Yang Amat Dihormati (D.K.) honor by the Sultan. "On behalf of the Malaysian Government and people, I pray that Your Majesty will continue to rule Brunei Darussalam with wisdom," he said [3, 7].
Prime Minister Anwar posted statements on August 23 appreciating ALC-27’s outcomes and Brunei’s warm welcome [4, 5, 7, 9]. Discussions will continue to resolve the land and maritime border issues without compromising either country’s territorial rights, with further meetings planned after this consultation [1, 8, 6].
