Putrajaya moves to reclaim airspace from Singapore

PARLIAMENT | Putrajaya is moving to reclaim its delegated airspace in southern Johor from Singapore in stages.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said today that the government plans to gradually retake the airspace at the end of 2019, and subsequently in 2023.

"The government will discuss this in more detail with Singapore regarding the reclamation of airspace in the south of the peninsula, and if necessary will refer the matter to the International Civil Aviation Organization for advice," he told the Dewan Rakyat.

According to Loke, Putrajaya informed Singapore of its intentions on Nov 29, adding that reclamation has to be done in stages to coordinate air traffic control procedures in both countries.

The airspace to the south of Johor had been delegated to Singapore in 1974.

In a response to a question from Hassan Karim (Harapan-Pasir Gudang), Loke also said Malaysia is also objecting to the island republic's plans to increase flight activity at the Seletar Airport.

This is because it would affect development in Pasir Gudang, as well as disrupt shipping activities at the Johor Port.

'Defending sovereignty' 

Singapore had updated its instrument landing system (ILS) runway approach protocols at Seletar through an aeronautical information publication (AIP) on Dec 1, which will come into force on Jan 3, next year.

Loke said this was against the principles of national sovereignty as provided for by the Convention of International Civil Aviation.

He added that Wisma Putra will issue a notice of objection to Singapore.

Ahmad Maslan (BN-Pontian) supported Loke's stance, but questioned how Putrajaya's objections would impact on bilateral relations, especially with regard to joint development projects – such as the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail, which is currently on hold.

Loke insisted that Malaysia would not compromise on its sovereignty.

"We don't take a confrontational stance, but on this issue, we are defending our sovereignty and airspace. 

"This has to be defended, especially in southern Johor," he said. - Mkini