On 25 October 2018, the Malaysian Government published a declaration on the alteration of Johor Bahru Port Limits. Malaysian Government vessels then entered into Singapore Territorial Waters (“STW”) off Tuas.
Singapore protested these actions. The Singapore Government made it clear that the Malaysian Government vessels should cease these intrusions and leave STW. Singapore also pointed out that the presence of Malaysian Government vessels in STW raised tensions on the ground, and risked causing an unintended and dangerous incident.
On 7 December 2018, the Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law Mr K Shanmugam and Attorney-General Mr Lucien Wong met with the Malaysian Attorney General Mr Tommy Thomas to discuss these and other issues. The Singapore officials proposed to Attorney General Thomas that Malaysia returns to the status quo ante prior to 25 October 2018, without prejudice to Malaysia’s and Singapore’s respective positions on the maritime boundary between the two countries in the area which Malaysia now 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.
The Singapore Government notes the statement issued by the Malaysian Government this evening. Malaysia has acknowledged that Singapore’s proposal would have been without prejudice to both sides’ respective positions on the maritime boundary. Singapore is hence disappointed that Malaysia is unable to accede to Singapore’s proposal to go back to the status quo ante prior to 25 October 2018.
Nevertheless, Singapore is encouraged that Malaysia has undertaken to take all effective measures to de-escalate the situation on the ground, and handle the situation in a calm and peaceful manner. Singapore also welcomes the Malaysian Government’s agreement that officials meet in the second week of January 2019, to exchange views on resolving the Johor Bahru Port Limits issue.
Meanwhile, Singapore reiterates its call to Malaysia to revert to the status quo ante prior to 25 October 2018. This will avoid misunderstandings and potential issues on the ground. 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.
The Singapore Government hopes to work with the Malaysian Government to find an amicable resolution of issues between the two countries in accordance with international law, and in the spirit of preserving our important bilateral relationship.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
10 DECEMBER 2018