Singapore’s military has encroached Malaysia’s airspace 2,508 times since 2008, said the Defence Ministry.

This was revealed in a Parliamentary written reply to Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin, who described the numbers as “shocking”.

According to Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Malaysia is addressing the problem by issuing “diplomatic objections” on the matter after the International Court of Justice ruled in favour of Singapore in the dispute over Pulau Batu Puteh in 2008.

The largest number of encroachments were detected in 2009 with 1,286 occurrences, followed by 2008 (985 incidents) and 2010 (218 incidents).

As for 2011, 19 incidents were recorded between the months of January and May.

“Even one incident, is in my opinion, one too many, although the numbers have decreased over the years. This involves the sovereignty of our nation,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby.

Khairy said the ministry also needs to explain the situation further, adding that Singapore’s military was far more vigilant in protecting their airspace.

“When our jets and helicopters are near the Singapore-Malaysia border, their combat helicopters and jets will take off and wait (near the border), ready to intercept.

“Singapore is very territorial and protective of its airspace, but it appears we are not,” he said, and suggesting stern measures be taken.

“What were our action after this? The (numbers) show the ones that were detected, what about (unmanned) drones?

“Diplomatic objection are not enough... although we have been doing it since 2008, from the statistics it shows that it is not stopping although it have reduced.

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