Ministry of Transport Media Statement on Malaysia Transport Minister Anthony Loke’s Comments on Airspace Issues, 4 December 2018

1. Sovereignty is a fundamental principle of international law. Singapore respects Malaysia’s sovereignty. At the same time, international law is clear that cross-border airspace management is not incompatible with sovereignty. The purpose of airspace management is to ensure the safety and efficiency of air traffic. Many states around the world including the United States, Canada, France, and Australia have arrangements for airspace management to be provided by third parties.

2. In 1973, Malaysia, Singapore, and other regional States agreed on arrangements to ensure efficient air traffic flows into, out of and overflying Singapore. These arrangements were subsequently approved by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). A bilateral agreement between Malaysia and Singapore was signed in 1974 to operationalise these arrangements.

3. The current airspace arrangements reflect these agreements. Under these arrangements, the provision of air traffic services in the airspace over Southern Johor was delegated to Singapore. Singapore is responsible for putting in place the flight procedures in the delegated airspace. These include the flight procedures into and out of all airports in Singapore.

4. The airspace in this region is one of the most complex in the world. Air traffic growth is one of the fastest in the world. The benefits to both our economies and our people have been tremendous. The current airspace arrangements have been working well and have facilitated this growth. Hence, any proposed changes will impact many stakeholders. Consultations will therefore be required to minimise the impact on airlines and passengers.

5. We note that Malaysia Minister for Transport Anthony Loke has made several comments with regard to the publication of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) procedures for Seletar Airport. CAAS informed the Malaysia Ministry of Transport in 2014 of the move of turboprop operations to Seletar Airport. In December 2017, the ILS procedures were shared with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). However, despite repeated reminders, we received no substantive response from CAAM until late November 2018.

6. It is important to clarify that these ILS procedures were designed in line with ICAO standards, which CAAM has also acknowledged. They were published in accordance with Singapore’s responsibilities under the relevant ICAO requirements as well as the bilateral arrangements we have with Malaysia.

7. Furthermore, the ILS procedures were designed to align with the existing flight profiles into Seletar Airport, which have been used for decades. The ILS procedures have also been designed to take into account existing structures at Pasir Gudang. The procedures therefore do not impose any additional impact on other airspace users as well as businesses and residents in Johor. Also, there are existing procedures and equipment to ensure that shipping on the Straits of Johor would not be affected. In fact, the ILS procedures will enhance safety for all users and residents.

8. We note Malaysia’s desire to provide air traffic services for the airspace. Any proposal should ensure that the safety and efficiency of air traffic is not compromised and must be in accordance with ICAO standards, processes and procedures. Singapore and Malaysia are close neighbors, who have had a long history of cooperation and friendly competition. We need to work together to tackle our common challenges and find constructive ways to resolve our differences when interests diverge. With goodwill, a win-win outcome is possible. We will approach this recent development in the same spirit.