Foreign Minister Dr Rais Yatim today issued a stinging warning to Singapore over its move to claim an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for Batu Puteh.

suhakam religion culture conference 090906 rais yatim speak Among others, he told the neighbouring country not to stir the hornets nest.

Rais was responding to questions from both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat MPs on the issue in the Dewan Rakyat.

He said the government had responded to Singapore’s demands by sending a protest letter during the 41 st Asean Ministers Meeting (AMM) in the republic on Aug 1.

"We are disappointed by Singapore's move to claim EEZ for Batu Puteh. Do not stir the hornet's nest.

"I have made it clear to them orally that we are no happy at the AMM and it was followed by a strong protest letter addressed to their foreign minister," he added.

The minister said the Singaporean government has been reminded to adhere to the principles of international laws and that its actions are against the cooperative spirit of Asean.

According to the UN convention, states can claim economic exclusivity of up to 200 nautical miles from their lands and islands, although territorial claims are limited to 12 nautical miles.

S'pore has no excuses

pulau batu putih pulau batu puteh 230508 Rais said although the International Court of Justice awarded territorial rights over Batu Puteh ( right ), or Pedra Branca, to Singapore, Batuan Tengah, or Middle Rocks, which is 0.6 nautical miles apart, was awarded to Malaysia.

Therefore Malaysia has every reason to protest against Singapore's claim for EEZ, as it overlaps Malaysia's own territorial space.

"This means that Singapore has no excuses to conduct any activities unilaterally in the maritime area," said Rais

"The EEZ claim was made without even consulting us but nevertheless, it is illogical, absurd and in total contradiction with international laws," he added.

That would also mean Malaysia would have limited access to the waters around the Middle Rocks, which falls within the zone.

Size of half a football field

On May 23, the ICJ decided in favour of Singapore following a 28-year sovereignty dispute with Malaysia over Pulau Batu Puteh - a tiny but strategic uninhabited island the size of half a football field.

The granite island is considered important for its strategic position and impact on territorial marine boundaries. It lies 7.7 nautical miles off Johor on the eastern approach to the Singapore Strait from the South China Sea.

A 16-member panel handed a 12 to 4 judgment against Malaysia which had claimed ownership of the island which sits at the entrance of the heavily- used Singapore Strait.

middle rock island 230508 However, the 16-member panel in a 15 to 1 decision said Malaysia has sovereignty over one of the island's two rocky outcrops - Middle Rocks ( photo ), which lies south of Pulau Batu Puteh.

On the other outcrop named South Ledge, the court handed a 15 to 1 judgment stating that it belonged to "the state in the territorial waters of which it is located".

The court however did not specify whether the territorial waters mentioned were Malaysia's or Singapore's.

Malaysia has said it will continue to look for further evidence on the Pedra Branca case, which could be used to review the ICJ judgment.