SINGAPORE and Malaysia’s discussions of airspace and Johor Baru port limit issues should emphasise the importance of maintaining a good bilateral relationship and compliance with international law, said Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan today.

In a statement, Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said Balakrishnan, who earlier spoke with his Malaysian counterpart Saifuddin Abdullah via telephone today, referred to the discussions on airspace issues between Singaporean Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan and Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, as well as the latter’s public comments on the issue.

The statement said Balakrishnan emphasised that Singapore respected Malaysia’s sovereignty.

“Minister Balakrishnan said that it was in the interest of both countries to ensure the safety of civil aviation over our skies.

“Any proposal should ensure that the safety and efficiency of civilian air traffic is not compromised, and remain in accordance with The International Civil Aviation Organisation standards, processes, and procedures,” said the statement.

Balakrishnan raised the issue of “Malaysia’s recent purported extension of the Johor Baru port limits, which encroach into Singapore’s territorial waters off Tuas”.

The statement said Balakrishnan noted that “the limits now extend beyond even the limits of Malaysia’s territorial sea claim in the area, as set out in Malaysia’s own 1979 map, which Singapore has never accepted”.

“Minister Balakrishnan said despite Singapore’s diplomatic protests, there had been a series of provocative intrusions by Malaysian government vessels into Singapore’s territorial waters off Tuas,” said the ministry.

It added that the minister stressed “the urgent need for Malaysia to cease these intrusions so as to comply with international law and to avoid escalating tensions on the ground”. – Bernama, December 5, 2018.