Malaysia to build island in waters near Singapore

A file picture of Royal Malaysia Navy vessel KD Perdana berthing at the Maritime base on Middle Rocks on Aug 12, 2017.

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Wednesday (May 30) he wants to develop an island on a cluster of rocks previously disputed with Singapore, a move that could anger its neighbour.

The strategically located area has long been a flashpoint between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, and they previously took a territorial dispute to the United Nations top court.