KUALA LUMPUR: The public sees the action of China's natural resources ministry in issuing a map that includes a significant portion of Malaysian waters as a disrespect for bilateral ties.
Many are of the view that the government should take a strong stance and not allow Beijing to get away with this as it is a matter of national interest.
Muhammad Fazreen Izzuddin, 32, said brushing off the matter would show that Malaysia was weak and would bring many complications concerning water territories in the South China Sea.
"The safety of civilians, especially our fishermen, may be at risk as well if we allow China to test us in such a way," he said.
Two civil servants, who wished to remain anonymous, said the government should monitor China's intentions closely.
"It may be too early to tell what China's strategy is but we cannot allow for the matter to go unnoticed since the international community is also made aware."
The 2023 China Standard Map, released on Monday in conjunction with its National Mapping Awareness Week and Survey and Mapping Publicity Day, disclosed the republic's claim over waters near Sabah and Sarawak.
Maritime areas within Malaysia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near Sabah and Sarawak, Brunei, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam were marked.
The map also incorporated disputed areas, including claims over Arunachal Pradesh, the Aksai Chin region, Taiwan and the South China Sea.
On Tuesday, India issued a "strong protest" against China over the 2023 China Standard Map.