The removal of cabotage exemptions for foreign-registered vessels repairing undersea cables had made headline. Especially after tech giants argued the move will hurt Malaysia's internet stability, as it will cause delays in the repair of internet submarine cables. On the other side of the debate though, the local shipping industry said cabotage policies protect the interests of Malaysian shipowners, especially at a time when the industry is being hit by Covid-19. While the cabotage policies benefit the Malaysian maritime industry -- but if this comes at a cost to consumers? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Datuk Dr Sabirin Ja’afar, Director General of the Maritime Institute of Malaysia.