The International Court of Justice in The Hague will hand down its judgment today in a 28-year-old dispute between Malaysia and Singapore over ownership of the tiny island of Pulau Batu Puteh.

National broadcaster RTM will telecast live the decision at 4pm.

Both countries have undertaken to abide by the ruling of the tribunal, the United Nations' highest court, on sovereignty over the uninhabited island and its two rocky outcrops - Middle Rocks and South Ledge.

The disputed island is half the size of a football field.

The court heard arguments from both parties last November. Malaysia claims the land was always its property, although Singapore has been operating the Horsburgh Lighthouse there for more than 130 years.

Pulau Batu Puteh, called Pedra Branca by Singapore, is considered important for its strategic position and its impact on territorial marine boundaries.

It lies 7.7 nautical miles off the Malaysian state of Johor on the eastern approach to the Singapore Strait from the South China Sea.

Dispute began in 1980

The dispute arose in 1980 when Singapore protested a new Malaysian map of its maritime boundaries, which claimed the islet for itself.

Years of bilateral talks failed to resolve the matter and the parties agreed to seek the intervention of the UN court.

Bilateral ties have often been stormy since Singapore was ejected from the Malaysian Federation in 1965, at which time sovereignty of the island was not stipulated.

Both countries have said Friday's ruling would not affect relations.

International Court of Justice vice-president Judge Awn Shawkat Al-Khasawneh will deliver the judgment on later today.

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- AFP