Malaysia's foreign minister today urged Indonesia to use diplomatic channels rather than resort to military threat to resolve disputes over a maritime area claimed by the two countries.

Indonesia's navy has dispatched four warships to the disputed area off the coast of Malaysia's Sabah state and the Indonesia's East Kalimantan province, and is considering sending a submarine to the area to enforce its presence, officials said.

Tensions had risen between the countries after Jakarta protested a move by Malaysia's state oil company Petronas to grant energy giant Shell a concession in the area on Feb 16.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar reiterated that it was within Malaysia's jurisdiction to award the concessions and urged Jakarta to resolve the row at the negotiation table.

"In my opinion, it's not necessary to send warships. If there are any issues, they can go to diplomatic channels. Malaysia and Indonesia enjoy close ties, there is nothing that we cannot sit down and talk about," he told reporters.

"We are exercising our rights when we gave the concession. I hope this matter will be resolved in a sensible manner without being emotional."

Strained bilateral ties

Asked if Indonesia's move has further strained bilateral ties, he said: "As long as the diplomatic channels between us have not been cut off, this does not threaten or affect ties between Malaysia and Indonesia."

He said the ministry would reply to Indonesia's protest note soon. Malaysia has no plans to send any fleet to the area but would strive to seek an amicable peaceful solution to protect regional peace and security, he added.

Indonesia and Malaysia previously disputed the ownership of two small islands in the Sulawesi Sea. But in December 2002, the International Court of Justice concluded that the islands - Ligitan and Sipadan off Borneo island - belong to Malaysia.