Malaysia and Singapore suspend port limits extension

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Singapore have jointly agreed to suspend their port limits extension which triggered a maritime dispute last year.

The two countries agreed to revert to the port limits that were in effect prior to Oct 25 for Malaysia and Dec 6 for Singapore, as negotiations on maritime boundary limitations commence.

The suspension takes effect immediately.

This decision was made following a bilateral meeting between Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah and his Singaporean counterpart Dr Vivian Balakrishnan at Wisma Putra here.

“These measures are vital to deescalate the situation on the ground and pave the way for maritime boundary delimitation of the area.

“These measures also demonstrate the commitment of both countries to work together to preserve a strong and positive bilateral relationship on the basis of equality and mutual respect, and to resolve bilateral issues amicably in accordance with international law,” said Saifuddin at a joint press conference with Dr Vivian after the meeting.

Both countries have also agreed that during the suspension, no commercial activities will be authorised and no government vessels will be allowed to anchor in the area.

Malaysia and Singapore vessels will operate in the area in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“All these measures will be carried out without prejudice to our respective maritime boundary claims in the area.