‘Malaysia encroaching on Singapore territorial waters’
SINGAPORE: Singapore is ready to engage with Malaysia to resolve matters related to Johor Baru port limits amicably, in accordance with international law, said the republic’s Ministry of Transport (MOT).
MOT said it noted “with grave concern” that Malaysia recently purported to extend the Johor Baru port limits in a manner that encroached on Singapore Territorial Waters (STW) off Tuas.
MOT said this was done through Malaysia’s publication of Federal Government Gazette P.U. (B) 587 “Declaration of Alteration of Port Limits for Johore Bahru Port” dated Oct 25 (the “Gazette Notification”); Port Circular No. 88/2018 dated Nov 11 (“PC 88/2018”) and Notice to Mariners No. 164/2018 dated Nov 22 (“NtM 164/2018”).
In response, MOT said Singapore had lodged a strong protest with the Malaysian government.
It said it had requested that Malaysia amend the Gazette Notification, PC 88/2018 and NtM 164/2018 to reflect the sovereignty of Singapore over the waters, and that Malaysia refrain from taking any further unilateral action.
MOT said the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) had issued a Port Marine Circular on Nov 30 instructing shipmasters and owners of vessels to disregard Malaysia’s Gazette Notification, PC 88/2018 and NtM 164/2018, which impinged on Singapore’s sovereignty.
MOT said over the past two weeks, vessels from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and Marine Department Malaysia had repeatedly intruded into STW off Tuas.
“Singapore has protested the unauthorised movements of, and purported assertions of sovereignty by these vessels, which are inconsistent with international law.
“The Republic of Singapore Navy and the Police Coast Guard are safeguarding the sovereignty of STW and enforcing the security of these waters on a 24/7 basis.
“Singapore will not hesitate to take firm action against intrusions and unauthorised activities in our waters,” said MOT.
It said Malaysia’s purported extension of the Johor Baru port limits and the repeated intrusions by Malaysian government vessels into STW were a serious violation of Singapore’s sovereignty and international law.
“These actions are unconducive to good bilateral relations, cause confusion for the international shipping community, and lead to increased navigational and safety risks for all parties.”