Singapore today warned that it would not hesitate to take firm actions against “intrusions” by Malaysian vessels into its waters.
And in a tit-for-tat move, the island republic said it had decided to extend the Singapore Port Limits off Tuas. This extension, it said, was well within Singapore’s territorial waters and that the gazette took effect today. The extension tracks the eastern boundary of the 1999 Johor Bahru Port Limits.
Singapore Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and the Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan said while the country upheld international law and respected bilateral agreements, “we will protect and defend Singapore’s territorial sovereignty”.
read more
Malaysia will be responsible for ‘any untoward situations’, says Singapore, as it repeats call for KL to withdraw vessels
Malaysia will be responsible for “any untoward situations on the ground” that arise from continued deployment of its vessels in the waters off Tuas, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Monday (Dec 10). It also said that Singapore reiterates its call for its neighbour to revert to the status quo prior to Oct 25.
While officials from the 2 countries are due to meet in the second week of January to discuss the maritime dispute, the MFA said that the vessel deployments in the area “will not strengthen its legal claim & can only heighten tensions”.
The ministry noted that Malaysian government vessels had entered into Singapore’s territorial waters off Tuas after Kuala Lumpur published a declaration on the alteration of Johor Baru port limits on Oct 25.
read more
Malaysian vessels in Singapore waters raise tensions, risk causing ‘dangerous incident’: MFA
Video screenshot of a Malaysian vessel intruding into Singapore territorial waters. (Credit: Mindef)
The Singapore government said on Monday (10 December) that the presence of Malaysian government vessels in Singapore territorial waters has raised tensions and risked causing an “unintended and dangerous” incident. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said Singapore had protested against Malaysia’s alteration of Johor Bahru’s port limits on 25 October and the subsequent intrusion of Malaysian government vessels into Singapore territorial waters.
On Friday (7 December), Singapore’s Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam and Attorney-General Lucien Wong met with the Malaysian Attorney General Tommy Thomas to discuss these and other issues. The Singapore officials proposed a return to the status quo before 25 October without prejudice to Malaysia’s and Singapore’s respective positions on the maritime boundary between the two countries in the area which Malaysia claims. “Maritime boundary claims can be made under international law, in accordance with established procedures, without needing to have ships facing off against one another,” MFA said.
Hence, Singapore is “disappointed” that the Malaysian government issued a statement earlier Monday to reject Singapore’s proposal to return to the pre-25 October situation. A return to the status quo ante will avoid misunderstandings and potential issues on the ground, MFA added. “Malaysia’s deployments in this area will not strengthen its legal claim and can only heighten tensions. Malaysia will be responsible for any untoward situations on the ground that arise from continued deployment of its vessels into this area.”
read more
Singapore minister warns of ‘accidents’ with feuding neighbours in disputed waters
Transport Minister Anthony Loke has dismissed Singapore’s claims of encroachment in the extension of the Johor Baru port’s limits, saying they are well within Malaysia waters. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, December 8, 2018.
Singapore’s Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing is the latest to weigh in on the maritime boundary dispute with Malaysia, warning of the risk of accidents and further “escalation” given the close proximity of vessels of both countries in disputed waters, Chanel NewsAsia reports.
“We urge all parties to revert to the pre-October 25 status quo ante for things to come down. And there are ways to do this under international law without prejudice to Malaysia,” Chan was quoted as saying in a media conference.
read more
Malaysian vessels to remain in disputed waters as talks go on: Dr M
Malaysia will be keeping its vessels in the waters off Tuas, the country’s prime minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Monday (Dec 10), while it continues talks with Singapore over their maritime dispute.
This comes as Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the country is unable to accede to Singapore’s proposal for Malaysia to return to the pre-Oct 25 status quo, although it said that the country will take “all effective measures to de-escalate the situation on the ground”.
Dr Mahathir, speaking to reporters after a visit to an anti-corruption seminar in Kuala Lumpur, said: “At the moment, there is no decision, so the vessels are there … Malaysian vessels are there … Singapore vessel also there.”
read more
Maritime dispute: Singapore 'disappointed' Malaysia refuses to pull back port limits, cease intrusions
Singapore is "disappointed" that Malaysia is unable to accede to Singapore’s proposal to return to the status quo before it extended the Johor Bahru port limits, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Mon (Dec 10) in response to its Malaysian counterpart's statement earlier this evening.
Singapore also reiterated its call to Malaysia to revert to the status quo prior to the extension of Johor Bahru port limits before Oct 25, saying that this will "avoid misunderstandings & potential issues on the ground".
"Malaysia's deployments in this area will not strengthen its legal claim & can only heighten tensions," said MFA. "Malaysia will be responsible for any untoward situations on the ground that arise from continued deployment of its vessels into this area."
read more
Senior member of Mahathir’s party warns S'pore of 'pain by a thousand cuts' for its stance on maritime dispute
A supreme council member of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s party, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM), has said that Singapore will get "pain by a thousand cuts” for its position on the maritime dispute with Malaysia.
Dr Rais Hussin, who heads PPBM’s policy & strategy bureau, added that the Republic will gain nothing "by hardening its stance" against its neighbour.
Writing in a commentary published on the Malaysiakini & Malay Mail websites on Sunday (Dec 9), Dr Rais said that Singapore needs to “smarten up” & “live and let live”.
read more
Singapore gains nothing with harder stance against KL in dispute, says PPBM strategist
Part of the Johor Baru port, as seen from Tuas on Dec 5, 2018. PHOTO: ST FILE
"All put, there is nothing that Singapore can gain by hardening its stance against Malaysia" in issues such as maritime boundaries.
"It helps not to turn a spat into a spar, which repeated often enough, can be a bone spur that presses against the spinal chord of both countries.
"Then what? Fight & tear at each other's faces? Singapore & Malaysia both know that wars are meant to make an orphan of all children of their respective populations," he wrote in a piece in English carried in the Malay Mail & Malaysiakini.
read more
Ho Ching remarks to Senior member of Mahathir’s party: “Chill, man”
Even though a supreme council member of Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad’s party, has said that Singapore will get “pain by a thousand cuts” for its position on the maritime dispute with Malaysia, Ho Ching has replied rather coolly on Facebook.
The Chief Executive Officer of Temasek Holdings and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s wife took on Dr Rais Hussin, who is the head of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s (PPBM) policy and strategy bureau. Dr Rais said that said that Singapore will get “pain by a thousand cuts” for its position on the maritime dispute with Malaysia, and that the Republic will gain nothing “by hardening its stance” against its neighbour.
In response, Ho Ching shared an article by TODAY, and casually remarked, “Chill, man”. This was rather unusual as while the head of Temasek is very active on the social media platform, she rarely adds comments to the posts she shares.
Good that S’pore has agreed to talks on maritime dispute, says Dr M
Following the dispute with Singapore over maritime boundary and airspace, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today expressed confidence both countries will be able to sit together and sort things out.
The island-state last week raised concern that Malaysian government vessels had repeatedly intruded into Singapore territorial waters following the extension of the port limits of Johor Bahru Port on Oct 25.
Malaysia yesterday proposed for both countries to cease and desist from sending assets into the disputed area effective today pending discussions but Singapore did not agree to this.
The island-state last week raised concern that Malaysian government vessels had repeatedly intruded into Singapore territorial waters following the extension of the port limits of Johor Bahru Port on Oct 25.
Malaysia yesterday proposed for both countries to cease and desist from sending assets into the disputed area effective today pending discussions but Singapore did not agree to this.
Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said yesterday that his country will sit down with Singapore to resolve maritime and airspace boundary disputes based on the law, pointing out that the Republic had agreed to negotiations on the matter.
Asked whether he is concerned that the issue would strain bilateral ties, Tun Dr Mahathir said: "A lot of people announce their borders off and on, & that causes a lot of disputes, so we will settle the disputes based on legal provisions & our rights."
He was speaking to reporters yesterday after a meeting of the leaders of the ruling Pakatan Harapan alliance.
Dr M: Malaysia and Singapore negotiating maritime border issues
Singapore has agreed to negotiate with Malaysia on maritime border issues, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.
In a press conference after attending the Pakatan Harapan (PH) presidential council meeting here, the prime minister said that he was therefore unable to provide a definite answer on the issue. “The important thing is that Singapore agreed to a negotiation.
“Until we finish with our negotiation, we cannot give a final answer,” Dr Mahathir said. He added that any problems arising from the issue will be settled legally, and according to “our rights”.
read more
Malaysia welcomes talks with Singapore on maritime dispute: Mahathir
Malaysia Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Saturday (Dec 8) said he welcomes negotiations with Singapore on a dispute over maritime borders between the two countries.
"A lot of people announce their borders off and on, and that causes a lot of disputes, so we will settle the disputes based on legal provisions and our rights," he said at a press conference after a Pakatan Harapan meeting.
"The important thing is that Singapore agrees to a negotiation, until we finish negotiation we cannot give a final answer."
read more
Let’s stop sending assets to Tuas, Putrajaya tells Singapore
Malaysia has proposed to Singapore for both countries to "cease and desist" from sending assets into the disputed area of Tuas, effective from tomorrow (Saturday), pending discussions on outstanding maritime boundary issues.
Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said today the proposal came in light of the disagreements between Malaysia and Singapore on the Declaration of Alteration of Port Limits for Johor Bahru Port published on Oct 25, 2018 and the evolving situation on the ground.
He said the action to desist would be undertaken without prejudice to either Malaysia or Singapore’s position on maritime boundary claims over the area in question. “Of course, all governments are duty-bound to defend their nation’s sovereignty.
read more
Malaysia proposes to Singapore for both sides to stop sending assets to 'disputed' maritime area
The Malaysian government has proposed to Singapore for both countries to stop sending assets into the “disputed” maritime area amid the ongoing bilateral spat over territorial boundaries.
In a statement on Friday (7 December), Malaysian Foreign Affairs Minister Saifuddin Abdullah suggested, through the Singaporean High Commissioner in Kuala Lumpur, for the two countries to observe the cease and desist action effective 0000 hours on 8 December 2018.
“The action to desist would be undertaken without prejudice to either Malaysia or Singapore’s position on maritime boundary claims over the area in question,” Saifuddin said.
related:
Spore rejects Msia’s ‘cease and desist’ proposal on disputed maritime area
Let’s both avoid disputed waters, Malaysia tells Singapore
read more
Let’s both avoid disputed waters, Malaysia tells Singapore
Malaysia has proposed that from midnight tomorrow Singapore and Malaysia ‘cease and desist’ from sending assets into the disputed area off Tuas which is affected by the alteration of Johor Baru’s port limits.
Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said the proposal has been relayed to Singapore through its High Commissioner in Kuala Lumpur today, pending discussions on outstanding maritime boundary issues between the two countries.
“The action to desist would be undertaken without prejudice to either Malaysia or Singapore’s position on maritime boundary claims over the area in question,” he said in a statement. Saifuddin added that Putrajaya had informed Singapore of its objections to the decision of the Singapore government over the issuance of a circular yesterday by the republic’s Maritime and Port Authority which purports to extend Singapore’s port limits off Tuas.
read more
Singapore sharpens tone in maritime dispute with Malaysia
City-state rejects proposal for both sides to keep ships away
Authorities in Singapore on Friday stepped up their complaints over "intrusions" by Malaysian ships into what they called the city-state's territorial waters as tensions rose over port boundaries in one of Asia's busiest shipping lanes.
The Malaysian government later proposed seeking a resolution of the maritime boundary issue, but the Singapore side rejected a call for restraint. Singapore Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen said in a Facebook post that Malaysian vessels' recent activities are "serious violations of Singapore's sovereignty."
"Our security forces have acted with restraint despite continuing intrusions and provocations," Ng added. "Singaporeans are peace-loving, but I strongly caution violators to leave Singapore territorial waters." This followed a similar warning from Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Thursday.
read more
Singapore stands firm in dispute over its territorial waters, rejects KL’s call to stop sending assets to area
Singapore has rejected Malaysia’s call for both countries to stop sending assets into an area of the Republic’s waters off Tuas which Kuala Lumpur recently laid claim to.
Malaysian government vessels that have encroached into Singapore’s territorial waters must also leave the area immediately, the Republic added.
“Singapore remains ready to discuss this issue with Malaysia in a constructive manner in the spirit of preserving our important bilateral relationship,” a Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) spokesman said on Fri night (Dec 7).
related: Observers stress need to de-escalate dispute urgently
read more
Maritime dispute: Singapore does not agree with Malaysia's 'cease and desist' proposal
Singapore does not agree with Malaysia's proposal for both countries to "cease and desist" from sending assets into a "disputed area", Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in response to media queries on Fri (Dec 7).
The comments came shortly after Malaysian Foreign Affairs Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said on Friday that Malaysia had proposed to Singapore that both countries "cease and desist" from sending assets into what it called a "disputed area" from midnight on Dec 8.
Singapore has received Malaysia's diplomatic note & "will respond in due course", said an MFA spokesperson.
read more
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen warns Malaysian vessels to leave Singapore waters
Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen has warned Malaysian vessels intruding in Singapore waters to leave, in his first public comments on the maritime spat between Singapore & Malaysia.
"Singaporeans are peace-loving, but I strongly caution violators to leave Singapore territorial waters," said Dr Ng in a Facebook post on Friday (Dec 7).
He also posted a video titled The SAF Stands Ready, which shows instances of Malaysian vessels intruding into Singapore waters in recent weeks.
read more
5 things to know about the territorial waters issue
Seemingly out of nowhere, a row has erupted between Singapore & Malaysia over airspace & territorial waters. In just three days, the exchange between them has intensified, with Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Thursday urging Malaysia to "back off" from Singapore's waters. The Straits Times' Senior Political Correspondent Yasmine Yahya recaps the events so far.
- HOW DID THE DISPUTE BURST INTO THE OPEN?
- WHAT IS SINGAPORE'S RESPONSE?
- DOES SINGAPORE'S LAND RECLAMATION FACTOR INTO THE DISPUTE?
- WHAT IS THE SITUATION NOW?
- WHAT IS NEXT?
Singapore said it would respond to Malaysia's note in due course, and remained ready to discuss the issue in a constructive manner in the spirit of preserving the important bilateral relationship.
read more
Dispute over Johor Port limits due to grey area
Singapore and Malaysia will need to resolve the grey area of poorly defined territory between the two countries in the Tebrau Strait to prevent future disputes, said economist Prof Dr Rajah Rasiah. He said the current dispute over the limits of the Johor Port boundary arises because there is “undefined” territory between the two countries, and that a defining agreement on territorial water limit must be reached.
“When it comes to the border, it has to be redefined and determined whether some areas should be further from the national limit, while taking into consideration of the development of port facilities. “Also, the topography and geography of this area keeps on changing over time, which could be the root of why the grey area is not fully clarified. “The agreement over the territory has to make sense for both countries,” he said.
On the possibility of a prolonged territorial dispute, Rajah said it is worth to involve legal actions that are ruled by the international party. “Just like the Pedra Branca (Pulau Batu Putih) dispute, which in my opinion was not properly defended by Malaysia, this may involve some legal actions. “If it means that the disagreement over the border is an avenue for renewed contention, it is worth to involve the court.”
read more
Tit-for-tat as Malaysia denies Singapore’s territorial sea claims
THE Malaysia-Singapore confrontation heats up as both nations claimed sovereign rights infringements and breaches of international laws less than four weeks after both its leaders spoke about the strong ties between the two nations.
In what is seen as a tit-for-tat response to Malaysia’s intention to reclaim its airspace, the republic’s Transport Ministry had voiced “with grave concern” that Malaysia’s extension of the Johor Baru port limits had encroached into Singapore territorial waters (STW) off Tuas.
The republic also warned it would enforce its territorial rights including for its navy and coast guard to patrol the area against any infringements of Malaysian vessels. Singapore claimed that vessels from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and Marine Department Malaysia had repeatedly intruded into STW off Tuas.
read more
Minister Khaw tells Malaysia to 'back off' as Singapore expands port limits
Malaysia should "back off" & leave Singapore's waters. That was the firm message from Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan yesterday, as he urged Singapore's closest neighbour to pursue dialogue instead of "blatant provocation" to resolve the row over port limits & territorial waters.
Mr Khaw revealed that in the past 2 weeks, there have been 14 incursions by Malaysian government vessels into Singapore's waters. 3 of these vessels were still in Singapore waters yesterday, he told the media. Singapore decided to expand its own port limits in response to Malaysia's action, he said. While the Republic has so far responded with restraint against the "aggressive actions" by the Malaysian vessels in its waters, it will not hesitate to act firmly to protect its territory & sovereignty, if necessary, Mr Khaw said.
"My main message today is ... Back off. Leave our waters while we pursue sit-down dialogues & try to resolve it."
read more
Singapore extends port limits off Tuas amid maritime boundary standoff with M’sia
In view of recent “provocative developments” by Malaysia, Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan said on Thursday (Dec 6) that Singapore will extend its port limits off Tuas with immediate effect.
The gazetted expansion of Singapore’s port limits — which overlaps Malaysia’s unilateral extension of the Johor Baru port limits on Oct 25 — is “well within” Singapore’s territorial waters, Mr Khaw said at a press conference held at the Parliament House.
On Tuesday, the Singapore Government disclosed that ships & vessels from Malaysia have been repeatedly intruding into Singapore’s territorial waters off Tuas for 2 weeks, including vessels from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and Marine Department Malaysia. At least 2 vessels were seen by TODAY intruding into Singapore’s territorial waters on Thursday afternoon.
read more
Singapore extends port limits off Tuas, won't hesitate to take action against Malaysia intrusions: Khaw
Singapore has extended its port limits off Tuas and it will not hesitate to take "firm actions" against intrusions in its waters, said Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Thursday (Dec 6) at a media conference addressing Malaysia's purported extension of the Johor Bahru port limits.
Mr Khaw said that there had been 14 intrusions into Singapore's territorial waters off Tuas in the past two weeks, after changes to the port limits were announced through Malaysia's Federal Government Gazette on Oct 25, 2018.
Singapore had protested the repeated intrusions via three Third Party Notes, he added. Mr Khaw said Singapore's security agencies will continue to patrol the area and respond to unauthorised activities on the ground.
read more
Reclamation at Tuas has nothing to do with maritime boundary dispute, says Khaw
Calling on Malaysia to stop the intrusion of vessels into Singapore’s territorial waters before things get out of hand, Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan dismissed Malaysia’s argument that Singapore cannot claim the disputed waters on the basis of its reclamation works in Tuas in recent years.
Reclamation, which started in 1996, should not come into the picture at all, Mr Khaw said on Thu (Dec 6) at a press conference. For the last 20 years, the Johor Baru port limits had not changed until recently on Oct 25, when Malaysia decided to unilaterally expand the boundaries into Singapore’s territory.
3 Malaysian government vessels were in Singapore’s waters at the time of the press conference, and when asked by reporters what the Government will do if they do not leave, Mr Khaw said that security agencies are there to sound off warnings while exercising restraint. “So, the next best step for them is to leave our waters. It’s as simple as that,” he added. “Why must we pursue a destructive path? Beggar thy neighbour — what for?”
read more
In full: Khaw Boon Wan's statement on Malaysian intrusions into Singapore territorial waters
The 1999 Johor Bahru Port Limits. (Map: Ministry of Transport)
Singapore will not hesitate to take "firm actions" against intrusions in its waters, said Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Thursday (Dec 6).
In a statement on the intrusions by Malaysian government vessels into Singapore territorial waters off Tuas, Mr Khaw said that there have so far been 14 such intrusions.
In view of the recent provocations, Singapore has extended its port limits off Tuas, he said.
read more
Singapore refutes PM Mahathir’s claim that Malaysia has not ‘touched’ Singapore’s border
It was responding to comments made by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who said that Malaysia has not "touched" Singapore's border. “We can measure to see if it is true or not but we had not touched their border," said Dr Mahathir on the sidelines of an event in Selangor. “We are still within our own waters."
In a statement on Wed, Singapore's Ministry of Transport (MOT) said: "Singapore reiterates that Singapore’s territorial waters do extend westward of our current port limits around Tuas. "Accordingly, the purported extension of the Johor Bahru port limits encroaches into Singapore’s territorial waters in the area & is a serious violation of Singapore’s sovereignty and international law.”
related:
Singapore lodges 'strong protest' over extension of Johor Bahru port limits
Spore's Foreign Affairs Minister V Balakrishnan urges Malaysia to 'cease intrusions'
read more
Malaysian government ships encroaching on Singapore waters for past 2 weeks
Woodlands Checkpoint Causeway. (Yahoo News Singapore file photo)
Ships from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the Marine Department Malaysia have repeatedly intruded into Singapore’s territorial waters off Tuas over the past two weeks, said Singapore’s Ministry of Transport (MOT) on Tuesday (4 December). The intrusions come in the wake of a purported extension of the Johor Bahru port limits via a Malaysian government gazette dated 25 October, a port circular dated 11 November and a notice to mariners dated 22 November.
In a media statement, MOT said Singapore has lodged a “strong protest” with the Malaysian government over the purported extension of port limits encroaching into Singapore waters. The ministry said the move along with repeated intrusions into Singapore waters by Malaysian government ships are “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,” it added.
“The Republic of Singapore Navy and Police Coast Guard are safeguarding the sovereignty of Singapore territorial waters and enforcing the security of these waters on a 24/7 basis,” MOT said in its statement. “Singapore will not hesitate to take firm action against intrusions and unauthorised activities in our waters,” the ministry added.
read more
Johor port extension: Mahathir says Malaysia has not ‘touched’ Singapore’s border
Malaysia is well within its rights to extend the Johor Baru port as it has not trespassed onto Singapore’s territorial waters off Tuas, Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said on Wed (Dec 5).
He said the distance from the border can be measured to determine the claims made by the Singaporean government. Dr Mahathir said: “We can measure to see if it is true or not but we had not touched their border.
“We are still within our own waters,” he told reporters after launching the Union of Pos Malaysia Uniformed Staff (UPUS) conference.
read more
`Malaysia has not trespassed into Singapore's Territorial Waters`, Dr M
Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad meeting delegates at the launching of the Union of POS Malaysia Uniformed Staff (UPUS) 21st Delegation Conference at THE Grand BlueWave Hotel IN Shah Alam. NSTP/ROSLIN MAT TAHIR
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Malaysia can measure the Johor Bahru port limits to find out if it had encroached into Singapore’s Territorial Waters. “We can measure and see whether we have encroached on their borders, and (ensure) that we are still within our own waters,” he said after launching the Union of Pos Malaysia Uniformed Staff (UPUS) conference here today.
Yesterday, the republic's Ministry of Transport (MOT) in a statement said it noted “with grave concern” Malaysia’s purported move to expand its port boundaries, which violates sovereignty and international laws. The neighbours said they will not hesitate to “take firm action against intrusions and unauthorised activities”.
It claimed that ships and vessels from Malaysia had been repeatedly intruding into Singapore’s territorial waters off Tuas over the past two weeks, including vessels from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and Marine Department Malaysia.
read more
Minister rejects Singapore’s claim of encroachment over JB port limits
Anthony Loke said today that the Johor Baru port alteration did not encroach into the territorial area of Singapore as alleged by the republic. Loke said that Singapore’s claim that its borders had been extended through land reclamation was not valid in international law.
“Singapore has in recent years carried out extensive land reclamation in the area in question. “It is trite law that land reclamation does not extend a state’s base points and/or baselines,” he said, after chairing the inaugural meeting of National Aviation Council here today.
Loke added that in accordance with international law, Singapore’s reclamation does not alter its territorial waters. He added that the altered limits at the Johor port remained clearly in Malaysia’s sovereign territory.
read more
Johor Baru Port limits do not encroach into Singapore, despite their land reclamation, says Loke
The newly-altered limits for Johor Baru Port do not encroach into Singapore's territory, said Anthony Loke. The Transport Minister said Singapore's claims that the extension of the port limits intruded into Singapore waters were “inaccurate”. “Malaysia has always had and continues to have sovereignty over the waters within the port limits for Johor Bahru Port.
"Singapore has in recent years carried out extensive land reclamation in the area in question," said Loke in a statement on Wednesday (Dec 5). Loke said that in accordance with international law, the territorial sea of Singapore remains unchanged even when reclamation has been carried out almost to the outer limits of Singapore’s territorial seas. “As such, the altered port limits of Johor Bahru Port are in Malaysia’s territorial sea and it is well within Malaysia’s right to draw any port limit in our territorial sea in accordance with our own national laws," added Loke.
He said that Malaysia has also taken prudent action to accurately promulgate the alteration via our Federal Government Gazette and to issue the necessary Port Circular and Notice to Mariners," said Loke. He also said it was Malaysia's sovereign right to deploy enforcement agencies in its own territorial sea. “This practice is fully consistent with international law and, as such, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the Marine Department of Malaysia have not intruded into any of part of Singapore,” he said.
read more
Singapore protests as Malaysia expands port limits, vessels intrude territorial waters off Tuas
The Singapore Government is strongly protesting Malaysia’s purported move to expand its port boundaries, which violates sovereignty & international laws, & it will not hesitate to “take firm action against intrusions and unauthorised activities”.
This is after ships and vessels from Malaysia have been repeatedly intruding into Singapore’s territorial waters off Tuas over the past two weeks, including vessels from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency & Marine Department Malaysia.
These details were disclosed on Tuesday (Dec 4) by Singapore's Ministry of Transport (MOT), hours after Malaysia's Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that his country will “immediately” issue a protest note over Singapore's plan to use the southern Johor Baru airspace for flight operations at Seletar Airport.
Malaysian sea incursions have violated Singapore's sovereignty, international law: Khaw
Repeated incursions by Malaysian government vessels into Singapore’s territorial waters off Tuas represent “a violation of our sovereignty and also international law”, said Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Tuesday (4 December). Speaking to reporters at Seletar Airport, Khaw noted, “And in fact, in the last two weeks, there have been repeated intrusions by Malaysian vessels and their enforcement agency…into our sovereign space. So we of course, continue to issue (Third Party Notes) to Malaysia and hope that they would stop this escalation of actions.”
On Tuesday, Khaw’s ministry said that ships from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the Marine Department Malaysia have repeatedly intruded into the Republic’s territorial waters. The intrusions come in the wake of a purported extension of the Johor Bahru port limits via a Malaysian government gazette dated 25 October, a port circular dated 11 November and a notice to mariners dated 22 November.
The Transport Minister said that he had raised the issue with his Malaysia counterpart Anthony Loke during the ASEAN Transport Ministers meeting in Bangkok last month. Loke said then that Malaysia’s foreign ministry would respond on the issue. “But while waiting for the response, which didn’t come, in fact, they escalated their actions. They went on to publish a port circular and a few weeks later, a mariner’s note. So these are instructions to the shipping community about their new boundaries. So we issued a second TPN,” said Khaw.
read more
JB port limits : Singapore hopes to resolve matter amicably
In a statement issued here, MOT said it noted “with grave concern” that Malaysia has recently purported to extend the Johor Baru port limits in a manner which encroaches into Singapore Territorial Waters (STW) off Tuas. MOT said it 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, 2018 (the “Gazette Notification”), Port Circular No. 88/2018 dated Nov 11, 2018 (“PC 88/2018”), and Notice to Mariners No. 164/2018 dated Nov 22, 2018 (“NtM 164/2018”).
In response, the ministry said Singapore has lodged strong protest with the Malaysian government. MOT said it has also requested that Malaysia amend the Gazette Notification, PC 88/2018 and NtM 164/2018 to reflect the sovereignty of Singapore over the waters in question, and that Malaysia refrain from taking any further unilateral action. The Ministry said the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has issued a Port Marine Circular on Nov 30, 2018 instructing ship masters and owners of vessels to disregard Malaysia’s Gazette Notification, PC 88/2018 and NtM 164/2018, which impinge on Singapore’s sovereignty.
According to MOT, over the past two weeks, vessels from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and Marine Department Malaysia have also 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.
JB port limits: Singapore seeks amicable solution
Singapore says it is ready to engage with Malaysia to find an amicable solution, in accordance with international laws, to issues related to the Johor Bahru port limits.
The republic’s Ministry of Transport (MOT) said in a statement that it noted “with grave concern” that Malaysia had recently purported to extend the Johor Bahru port limits in a manner which encroaches into Singapore Territorial Waters (STW) off Tuas.
The MOT said it was done through Malaysia’s publication of the Federal Government Gazette P.U. (B) 587 “Declaration of Alteration of Port Limits for Johore Bahru Port” dated Oct 25, 2018 (the “Gazette Notification”), Port Circular No 88/2018 dated Nov 11, 2018 (“PC 88/2018”), and Notice to Mariners No 164/2018 dated Nov 22, 2018 (“NtM 164/2018”). It said Singapore had lodged a strong protest with the Malaysian government.
read moreMaritime dispute: Timeline of actions between Singapore and Malaysia from 1979
On Thursday (Dec 6), Minister of Transport Khaw Boon Wan announced that Singapore will extend port limits off Tuas with immediate effect. The gazetted expansion of Singapore’s port limits — which overlap Malaysia’s unilateral extension of the Johor Baru port limits on Oct 25 — is “well within” Singapore’s territorial waters, Mr Khaw said at a press conference held at the Parliament House. Here is a timeline of events leading to the extension.
CHRONOLOGY OF KEY EVENTS SINCE 1979:
- 1979: Malaysia published a map depicting the limits of the territorial waters it claims, including in the areas in the eastern and western approaches to Singapore.
- 1980: Singapore lodged a diplomatic protest with Malaysia over its 1979 map, asserting that the boundary lines indicated in the map in respect of the areas in the eastern and western approaches to Singapore are unacceptable to Singapore, and that Pedra Branca belongs to Singapore.
- 1987: Malaysia published its Johor Baru port limits, which tracked the territorial sea limits claimed in its 1979 map.
- 1995: Singapore and Malaysia concluded the 1995 Agreement between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of the Republic of Singapore to Delimit Precisely the Territorial Waters Boundary in Accordance with the Straits Settlements and Johore Territorial Waters Agreement 1927.
- 1997: Singapore’s port limits to the west of Raffles Lighthouse were extended slightly for better regulation of shipping traffic in the vicinity.
- 1999: Malaysia published its amended Johor Baru port limits, which still tracked the territorial sea limits claimed in its 1979 map.
- 2018: Malaysia published altered Johor Baru port limits, which encroach into Singapore’s territorial waters off Tuas. The altered port limits extend significantly eastward beyond the territorial sea claim in the area made in Malaysia’s 1979 map.
read more
The Johor–Singapore Causeway as viewed from the Woodlands Checkpoint in Singapore towards Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The end of Singaporean territory and start of Malaysian territory can be clearly seen with the differences in road surface and markings near the midsection of the Causeway.
The Malaysia–Singapore border is an international maritime border between the Southeast Asian countries of Malaysia, which lies to the north of the border, and Singapore to the south. The boundary is formed by straight lines between maritime geographical coordinates running along or near the deepest channel of the Straits of Johor (Malay: Selat Tebrau).
The western portion of the border beyond that delimited by the 1995 agreement goes into the western section of the Singapore Straits while the eastern portion of the border beyond the eastern terminus of the defined border continues into the eastern section of the Singapore Straits. Outside the border defined by the 1995 agreement, there is still no formal agreement between the two countries to delimit their common borders and this has resulted in several overlapping claims. Singapore claims a three nautical mile (6 km) territorial sea limit, while Malaysia claims a 12-nautical-mile (22 km) territorial sea limit.
read more
Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia to continue efforts to map straits
The importance of maritime trade & activity is why Singapore, Indonesia & Malaysia signed an agreement on Oct 2 to continue efforts to map the straits of Malacca and Singapore. It includes using multi-beam sonar technology that produces high-resolution 3D models of the seabed.
This second phase of a joint hydrographic survey aims to map out the remaining areas of the Traffic Separation Scheme within the straits of Malacca and Singapore which are shallower than 30m.
In Phase One of the operations, 5 areas believed to be around 20m or shallower, based on previous maps, were charted in five months. Phase One was launched in 2015. Both phases were supported by the Malacca Strait Council of Japan.
Mega reclamation project off Johor raises concerns
Johor reclamation project gets go-ahead, but size reduced Forest City will have an area of only 1,386ha instead of 1,600ha
MALAYSIAN environmental authorities have approved reclamation works for the Forest City project in Johor, but for a reduced 1,386ha development instead of the initial 1,600ha.
The project had faced resistance from Singapore and Malaysians living near the site, which is close to Tuas, over fears of damage to the ecology of the waterway between the two countries.
Country Garden Pacificview (CGPV), the master developer, said in a statement yesterday that the Department of Environment (DoE) granted approval after accepting proposals in a Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment to "minimise or mitigate environmental impacts through integrated and workable solutions".
Full steam ahead for new Tuas mega port
The Tuas Terminal will be developed in four phases over 30 years, with Phase 1 scheduled to be completed by the early 2020s. ST GRAPHICS
Works are in full swing at the future Tuas port, with reclamation ongoing for 2 out of 4 phases of the development and more than 3km of caisson already installed to form the wharf.
The caisson, which sits on a foundation on the seabed, is a 28m-high concrete watertight structure - about the height of a 10-storey Housing Board block. Using caissons to build the wharf structure is faster than traditional methods like piling.
In all, 8.6km of caisson will have to be constructed under Phase 1 of the Tuas port project, which aims to grow the Singapore port, amid competition from other regional & global ports.
55,000 attended anti-ICERD rally in Kuala Lumpur on December 8, 2018
Police claimed only 55,000 people turned up, though over 100,000 appeared to be present at its peak
Imagine if it was at the Singapore-Johor Causeway at Woodlands
13,000 Japanese troops crossed the Johor Straits into Singapore in collapsible boats. The next day, Japanese Imperial Guards crossed a repaired Causeway into Kranji
Full Coverage:
We will take firm action against intrusions, warns Singapore
Spore stands firm, rejects KL’s call stop sending assets to area
M'sia proposes Spore both sides stop send assets to 'disputed' maritime area
Singapore does not agree with Malaysia's 'cease and desist' proposal
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen warns M'ian vessels to leave Spore waters
The SAF Stands Ready
Observers stress need to de-escalate dispute urgently
Defence Minister Ng warns Malaysian vessels to leave Spore waters
5 things to know about the territorial waters issue
Former M'sian ambassador warns PH govt will not be as accommodating
S'pore won't hesitate to take firm actions against Msia's intrusions
Spore does not agree with Msia’s proposal both to avoid 'disputed area'
Let's both avoid disputed waters, Malaysia tells Singapore
Both M'sia & Spore should stop sending assets into disputed areas
Singapore does not agree with Malaysia's 'cease and desist' proposal
Defence Minister Ng warns M'sian vessels stay out of Spore waters
Singapore stands, rejects KL's call to stop sending assets to area
MPs question motives behind row, call for unity in Singapore
Observers stress need to de-escalate dispute urgently
M'sia proposes to Spore both sides 'cease and desist' in maritime dispute
Msians rebut Spore former diplomat Bilahari Kausikan"bogeyman"statement
Singapore sharpens tone in maritime dispute with Malaysia
Sibling rivalry help growth, says Dr M as he repeats 'bigger twin' comment
Khaw Boon Wan tells M'sian ships to back off as Spore expands port limits
Singapore sharpens tone in territorial dispute with Malaysia
M'sia sentiment: Spore is not the bogeyman,but Putrajaya needs to step up
Msia's unilateral move to extend port limits 'does not fit collaborative spirit'
Spore expanding port limits after M'sia suddenly laid claim to our waters
Malaysian vessel in Singapore's waters is used for marking territory
Let’s both avoid disputed waters, Malaysia tells Singapore
Spore rejects Msia’s ‘cease and desist’ proposal on disputed maritime area
M'sia proposes Spore for both sides to stop sending assets to 'disputed' area
M'sia should “back off” and leave Spore's waters while it expands port limits
Minister Khaw tells Malaysia to 'back off' as Singapore expands port limits
Spore's Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan tells M'sian vessels to "back off"
Dispute over Johor Port limits due to grey area
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen warns M'sian gov vessels leave Spore waters
Spore call for unity as tensions rise with M'sia airspace/maritime disputes
Let's stop sending assets to Tuas, Putrajaya tells Singapore
Amidst rising tensions, Dr M reiterates Malaysia-Singapore's 'twin' bond
There's a new sheriff in town now, ex-diplomat tells Singapore
Singapore rejects truce, says will respond to Malaysia soon
M'sia proposes to Spore both sides cease sending assets into disputed area
Singapore says no to Malaysia's proposal to cease assets
Malaysia proposes to de-escalate maritime tensions with Singapore
Row unlikely to ruin Malaysia-Singapore ties, say experts
Dangerous pushing of boundaries
Beware of 'grey zone' conflicts
related:
RSAF conducts mobilisation and live firing exercises
In tit-for-tat, Singapore extends its port limits
Malaysia and Singapore dispute over air and sea boundaries
Water-Sharing Saga Between Singapore & Malaysia
3 sen for 1,000 gallons of water doesn't make sense
Singapore's Water Issues
Malaysia files for revision of ICJ’s Pulau Batu Puteh decision
Malaysia files new application to ICJ on Pedra Branca ruling
S'pore-KL High Speed Rail Deferred
S'pore-KL High Speed Rail Haggle
S'pore-KL High Speed Rail Agreement
HSR S'pore-KL in just 90 minutes
Singapore to JB MRT by 2024
S'pore-KL HSR swallows another golf course
Malaysia's "gain" and Singapore's "loss"
Malaysia's ECRL touted as a game changer
Mega reclamation project off Johor
Old Mahathir could be frosty with Singapore: New Mahathir?
In perverse fashion, the Malaysians might have done PAP a favour
The protege toppled by his mentor
Can Singapore “Do a Malaysia”?
Why Singapore needs Mega Ports?
