SINGAPORE: 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 and 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).
AdvertisementHe also posted a video titled The SAF Stands Ready, which shows instances of Malaysian vessels intruding into Singapore waters in recent weeks.
On Thursday, Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan said at a media briefing that there have been 14 intrusions by Malaysian government vessels in Singapore territorial waters in the last two weeks. He added that three Malaysian vessels were in Singapore waters as he spoke.
This came after Malaysia extended its Johor port limits on Oct 25, 2018, encroaching into Singapore waters off Tuas. In response, Singapore also extended its Tuas port limits on Thursday.
"These are serious violations of Singapore's sovereignty," Dr Ng said. "Our security forces have acted with restraint despite continuing intrusions and provocations."
AdvertisementAdvertisementHe said that Singapore's Navy and Police Coast Guard ships have patrolled Singapore territorial waters at Tuas "for 20 years or more".
"Out of nowhere, Malaysian government vessels now claim these waters as theirs and have been continually intruding since November," he added.
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