Malaysia today urged neighbouring Singapore not to be selfish over a land reclamation project which it fears could disrupt shipping.

"There are certain things we do on our own territory that will have an effect on other territories," Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency.

"You cannot just look at yourself. Whatever you do, you must also think about other people."

Singapore said Wednesday it would continue to reclaim land within its territorial waters despite Malaysia's strong opposition to a project in the narrow Tebrau Stait between the two countries.

Port authorities in Johor have complained that the programme could obstruct the smooth navigation of ships.

Syed Hamid said Malaysia had always taken into consideration Singapore's interests as the republic was its closest neighbour and an important trading partner.

"All these things Malaysia has always taken into account. We have given a guarantee that we will supply water at all times. Malaysia has always been considerate.

"It is not right for Singapore to think about (only its own interests). Here is a complaint from its closest neighbour, historically linked and politically linked at one time."

Ties between the neighbours have been erratic since Singapore was ejected from the Malaysian Federation to become an independent state in 1965.

Water supplies from Malaysia to the resource-poor island state, a proposed bridge linking the countries and the use of Malaysian airspace by Singaporean aircraft are among other bones of contention.