Eastern Malaysia is geographically very close to the Spratly Islands. The UK paid considerable attention to the South China Sea issue when they occupied North Borneo, especially the route through the Balabac Strait that connects the South China Sea, Sulu Sea, the Philippine Sea and Indonesia's territorial waters. On this basis, the Malaysian government occupied the reefs near Sabah, undertaking a low-key occupation of Swallow Reef at the same time. While a garrison has been installed, this is also the first island in the South China Sea to be opened to the public. Other reefs like Dallas Reef, Ardasier Reef and Ardasien Reefs were designated as its military's " live fire areas", with only a few soldiers stationed there. Malaysia pays more attention to developing the area's petroleum resources, deliberately refraining from making extensive sovereignty claims. They have kept a low profile, and have not publicized their actions in the South China Sea.