The Maritime Tug-of-War

Malaysia raises the issue of Singapore's reclamation works at an international tribunal. As part of a settlement on Sept 1, 2005, Malaysia and Singapore agree to address concerns over the reclamation.

Both countries also agree to negotiate a new extended maritime border but nothing comes out of that pledge.

Despite the ambiguity, Malaysia and Singapore mark the limits for their ports in the area while avoiding disputed waters off Tuas.

The map shows the Johor Bahru Port and Singapore port boundaries in 2010.

On Oct 25, 2018, Malaysia extends the Johor Bahru Port limit to the edge of the Singapore port limit.

Transport Ministry officials tell Malaysiakini that they expanded the port limit in order to curb illicit activities in the area, which was previously unpatrolled.

However, the Singapore High Commission tells Malaysiakini otherwise.

It says that the republic has continuously exercised its jurisdiction in the said area without protest from Malaysia and has been patrolling the area regularly.

On Dec 6, 2018, Singapore responds by extending its port limit into the same area, creating an overlap.

Singapore deploys military vessels into the disputed waters while Malaysia stations non-military ships there.

The disputed area is about 11.5km², equivalent to the surface area of 9,200 Olympic swimming pools.

Sources told Malaysiakini they hope the tensions will force Singapore to the negotiation table.