Malaysia and Singapore to consider arbitration to resolve long-standing water issue amicably

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Singapore may consider arbitration to resolve the long-standing water price issue, involving both countries.

In a joint statement from the prime ministers of Malaysia and Singapore (see below for full text), the two countries pledged to resolve the matter amicably, despite differing positions on the right to review the price of water under the 1962 agreement.

Both Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Singapore’s Lee Hsien Loong agreed for the Attorney-Generals of Malaysia and Singapore to discuss the differing positions.

“The leaders noted both sides’ interest to identify an appropriate and timely measure, including schemes to increase the yield of the Johor River and to safeguard its environmental position and water quality,” the statement read.

The statement was issued following the annual Malaysia-Singapore leaders’ retreat, which was held at the Prime Minister's Office here on Tuesday (April 9).

Other issues discussed at the retreat included airspace, maritime border, cross-border rail and congestion at the Johor Causeway.

The leaders welcomed the agreement between Singapore and Malaysia for the republic to withdraw the Instrument Landing System (ILS) procedures for Seletar Airport, and for Malaysia to suspend the Restricted Area (RA) over Pasir Gudang indefinitely.

In turn, this will allow flights approaching and departing Seletar Airport to be based on visual approach, in accordance with the Singapore aeronautical information publication.

On the issue of maritime boundary, Dr Mahathir and Lee welcomed the progress made in implementing the recommendation of the working group on maritime issues surrounding Johor Baru port limits off Tanjung Piai and Singapore port limits off Tuas.

On the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) link project, Singapore has agreed to consider Malaysia's proposal to suspend the project for six months, with effect from April 1.

To reduce congestion on the Johor Causeway and the Second Link, Dr Mahathir and Lee agreed to explore further initiatives, including the use of new technology for enhanced security and checkpoint efficiency.

Joint statement by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the 9th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat in Putrajaya on April 9, 2019:

1.Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong met in Putrajaya on 9 April 2019 for the 9th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat. This being their first Retreat together, both Leaders iterated their renewed commitment to this continuing annual engagement as a platform for cooperation and discussing issues of mutual concern.

2.Reflecting on the strong historical links, and 54 years of diplomatic relations that bind both nations, both Leaders reiterated their commitment to preserving the vital relations and to improving bilateral ties on the basis of equality and mutual respect. The steady stream of visits and exchanges over the past year demonstrates both countries’ commitment to developing new areas of cooperation. The Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to resolve issues of concern in an amicable and constructive manner.