Singapore’s Defence Minister Gives the No‑Pressing‑Touch to Malaysian Boats
On Friday, Dec 7, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen took to Facebook to tell the Malaysia fleet that their “errant” vessels should stay out of Singapore’s territorial waters. He called their moves “serious violations of Singapore’s sovereignty” and said that the security forces have been “acting with restraint” despite the repeated incursions.
What the Minister Had to Say
“Singaporeans are peace‑loving, but I strongly caution violators to leave Singapore territorial waters,” Ng told his followers. It was his first public comment on the spat, which comes after Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan urged the same “back off” message to a flotilla that has sailed into local waters 14 times in the past two weeks.
The Port‑Boundary Tug‑of‑War
- Singapore has just expanded its own port limits off Tuas, replying to Malaysia’s recent extension of its harbor boundaries.
- The move has prompted “intrusions by Malaysian government vessels,” as Khaw explained.
- As of Friday afternoon, three Malaysian boats were still lingering in Singapore’s waters.
Stories from the Coast Guard
Ng recounted that for more than two decades the Republic of Singapore Navy and Police Coast Guard have been patrolling the waters at Tuas. “Out of nowhere, Malaysian Government vessels now claim these waters as theirs and have been continually intruding since November,” he added.
Why This Matters
- Barangays (small coastal communities) and businesses rely on these waters for shipping and trade.
- New port expansions mean more scrutiny—and a stricter guard at sea.
- Singapore’s “peace‑loving” reputation is on the line, but so is its sovereignty.
So, for the time being the message is crystal clear: Don’t surf on Singapore waters; let’s keep the seas calm and the humor flowing.
