Malaysia Pulls Ships Out of Singapore Waters—Still a Few Remain
TL;DR: Malaysia is finally in the mood to back off from Singapore’s territorial waters but one stubborn ship is holding out. Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan says the situation is risky, and the upcoming talks depend on a complete pull‑out.
Why There Is a Tug‑of‑War at Sea
- Boundary Blunder: On 25 October, Malaysia extended its Johor Baru port limits, slicing into Singapore’s waters in a new gazette.
- Historical Claims Clash: Singapore sees the 1979 map as the real deal, while Malaysia sees its own GPS‑driven version.
- Incursions: From 24 Nov to 5 Dec, a total of 14 Malaysian government vessels entered Singapore waters.
Current Status
As of Wednesday, 12 Dec, three Malaysian ships were in Singapore waters. Khaw Boon Wan has publicly demanded a complete withdrawal, describing the presence as an “unnecessary risk” that could spark accidental escalation.
Key Points for the Upcoming Talks
The two sides are slated to meet in the second week of January. Khaw emphasised that:
- Malaysia’s commitment to de‑escalate tensions is a “good move in the right direction.”
- Maintaining the ships in the disputed area doesn’t bolster their legal claim.
- Peaceful resolution is the best way forward—Singapore will keep listening, while also keeping a watchful eye on any stirring.
What It Means for the Bilateral Relationship
Khaw said Singapore values its ties with Malaysia and is “trying our best to find a peaceful solution”. The less the ships linger, the smoother the talks, and the more likely both nations can sidestep an on‑ground incident.
Takeaway
As long as a single vessel remains, the risk looms. The full withdrawal will help the diplomatic dialogue proceed without extra baggage. Let’s hope the seas stay calm and the negotiations stay drama‑free.
