Singapore has taken exception to Malaysia’s plans to extend the port limits for Johor Bahru Port, according to its maritime regulator.
The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) said the plan “purport to extend the port limits…in a manner which encroaches into Singapore’s territorial waters and the approaches to the Port of Singapore off Tuas”.
It added that it does “not recognize” the new port limits, which were published by the Attorney General’s Chambers of Malaysia in late October.
“Ship masters and owners of vessels should therefore disregard the notification…which impinge on Singapore’s sovereignty,” the MPA said.
“We would also like to remind ship masters and owners of vessels that Singapore’s territorial waters extend westward of Singapore’s current port limits around Tuas and vessels operating in this area are to continue to comply with applicable Singapore regulations.”
Singapore and Malaysia and no strangers to maritime territorial disputes, with the most recent involving several islets at the eastern entrance to the Singapore Strait.
