Not many are smiling in Malaysia over Singapore's claim for exclusive economic zone (EEZ) around Batu Puteh. Local fishermen are incensed by it.

Pengerang Fisherman Association chairperson Abu Bakar Mohamad said that the move reflected Singapore's desperation to expand its territorial control. And this is at the expense of fishermen in the Pengerang zone.

He described the sea borderlines between Malaysia and Singapore being very fine and intricate.

"Presently if they(Singapore) steered away a little from their travel course, they have entered Malaysian waters," he said.

"If they claim all of it then they have no worries on whose territory they are in (it will all be theirs)," he added sarcastically.

Singapore's intention to monopolise the economic space through its EEZ to Abu Bakar seemed selfish.

"Decisions should be made through cross-border discussions, not unilaterally by one party. Middle Rocks and South Ledge are strategic because they are rich in maritime resources," he added.

The Pengerang Fishermen Association has 2,000 members.

The matter flared up after the Singaporean parliament was informed on Monday that the republic will pursue EEZ for Pedra Branca, as the tiny islet is known in Singapore.

They will avail the United Nations Convention on the Law Of the Sea (Unclos) which allows nations economic exclusivity 200 nautical miles from their lands and islands.

Batu Puteh was just won by Singapore through an International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision in May. Malaysia was handed Middle Rocks. Both pieces of land are only 0.6 nautical miles apart.

Responses from PAS, Umno

The Star today quoted Foreign Minister Rais Yatim, who is incidentally in Singapore attending the Asean ministers' meeting, as saying that Singapore's announcement was "something new" as the issue has not been raised in Malaysia-Singapore joint technical meetings.

Meanwhile Johor PAS information chief Mazlan Aliman told malaysiakini that the Malaysian government was not stern in handling the situation.

"The Johor state government and Wisma Putra's response are too soft. They try to maintain good bilateral ties. But Singapore's response is more aggressive.

"I have surveyed that area. When our fishermen cross territorial waters, within 30 minutes the Singapore marine police is there.

"They are constantly surveying the waters, looking out for their interest," he said.

He added that Malaysia should send a written objection about the EEZ, as any hesitation will spur the Singaporeans to expand further.

"Just like the dykes they have erected, although it is within their territory, it still affects Malaysia's ecosystem."

Johor Umno information chief Fuad Zarkashi echoed the need for bilateral discussions. He said Singapore should not act provocatively.

"The move is seen to only benefit Singapore. They should not act in a manner that turns our relationship sour."

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