Malaysia to reclaim ‘delegated airspace’ from Singapore
It will be done in stages to ensure safe, efficient and organised aircraft movement, says Loke
THE transport minister says this will be done in stages. Singapore, meanwhile, wants to resolve issues related to Johor Baru port limits, involving alleged encroachment into its territorial waters.
MALAYSIA has taken steps to reclaim its delegated airspace from Singapore. This will begin in stages by the end of next year and the process is expected to be done by 2023, said the Transport Ministry.
Transport Minister Anthony Anthony Loke said on Thursday, Singapore was informed about the government’s intent to reclaim the airspace in stages, first at the end of next year and then in 2023.
He said the airspace was delegated to Singapore in 1974 for the island state to manage air traffic per the Operational Letter of Agreement Between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore Area Control Centres Concerning Singapore Arrivals, Departures and Overflight (LOA 1974).
“The plan to take back Malaysia’s delegated airspace in southern Johor needs to be done in stages to standardise the air traffic control service guideline between air navigation services provider of both countries. This will ensure the safe, efficient and proper movement of aircraft.
“The government will discuss in detail with Singapore over the plan to take back the delegated airspace in southern Malaysia, and if needed, (this matter) would be referred to ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation),” Loke told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
He was replying to a question by Hassan Abdul Karim (Pajatan Harapan-Pasir Gudang) about the government’s step to reclaim airspace from Singapore.
The move came on the heels of a dispute between Malaysia and Singapore over Seletar Airport. Malaysia had barred budget airline operator Firefly from relocating from Singapore’s Changi Airport to Seletar Airport.