KUALA LUMPUR: Negotiations on the delimitation of the maritime boundary between Malaysia and Singapore, including the waters surrounding Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge, are ongoing as both countries work towards a mutually acceptable solution.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said discussions have continued through established bilateral mechanisms, with both sides maintaining positive momentum in meetings since 2020.
“Malaysia’s maritime boundary negotiation team, comprising ministries and agencies including the Defence Ministry, National Security Council, and Attorney-General’s Chambers, among others, remains committed to safeguarding the sovereignty, sovereign rights and national interests in all negotiations held.
“As the lead agency for bilateral negotiations on maritime boundary delimitation issues with Singapore, the ministry, together with the relevant government agencies, continuously monitors and examines current developments and assesses possible actions from various perspectives, including international law and bilateral diplomatic relations,” he said in a written parliamentary reply on Monday (Dec 1).
He was responding to Manndzri Nasib (BN-Tenggara), who enquired about the plans and follow-up actions being taken by the government regarding the Batu Puteh case.
Mohamad (BN-Rembau) added that the maritime boundary issues involving Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge are being discussed through two formal platforms.
These include a Malaysia-Singapore Joint Technical Committee implementing the International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment and a Boundary Delimitation Committee, as well as a Joint Sub-Committee on Maritime Boundary Delimitation.
He also said the government is committed to advancing talks with Singapore based on technical and legal principles to achieve a fair and equitable outcome for both sides.
He added that during Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s official visit and the 11th Malaysia–Singapore Leaders’ Retreat in Putrajaya in January this year, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to continue negotiations on the maritime boundary.
In 2008, the ICJ ruled that Batu Puteh belonged to Singapore while Middle Rocks was awarded to Malaysia.
It also ruled that the ownership of South Ledge would be determined based on the delimitation of territorial waters.
In 2017, Malaysia applied to review the ICJ’s ruling, but it was then withdrawn in May 2018
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