Not one, but two Malaysian ships remain in Singapore’s territorial waters, transport minister Khaw Boon Wan said on Monday, Dec. 17.

This has increased from one ship in Singapore’s waters last Wednesday, Dec. 12, when Malaysia had supposedly taken steps to de-escalate tensions on the ground.

Not conducive for talks

This return of another ship is not conducive to January 2019’s discussions between Singapore and Malaysia, Khaw reiterated.

“I don't think it's a question of counting one, two, three," Khaw said on the sidelines of a North East Line upgrading event.

"Our preference, in fact that's what we urged them to do, is to withdraw all the ships because it is not conducive.”

Khaw also said having Malaysia ships in Singapore waters runs the risk of an unintended situation.

“First, it's not necessary, it doesn't make a difference to your legal claim. And we continue to worry about risk because we have two ships facing each other, and who knows, accidents can happen. It may not be intended, but if something happens, it's very troublesome. Unfortunately, they do not agree to withdraw," he said.

January 2019 meeting

Representatives from Singapore and Malaysia are scheduled to meet in the second week of January 2019 to discuss the maritime dispute.

Khaw said Singapore intends to negotiate “in good faith”.

“We are gearing up for this discussion. We intend to go into the discussion and negotiate in good faith. We hope good sense will prevail", Khaw said.

“We want a peaceful, calm, professional management of this whole dispute. If this is shared by both sides, I’m quite sure we can work out some win-win solutions.”

Airspace dispute also to be settled

Both countries also have a separate dispute over airspace arrangements in southern Johor.

Khaw said he is "quite sure" the discussion "will be on the agenda".

Malaysia had announced earlier this month that it objected to Singapore's publication of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) procedures for Seletar Airport.

Malaysia wants to reclaim its "delegated airspace" in southern Johor, citing concerns over sovereignty and national interest, as well as concerns that the ILS procedures for Seletar Airport would restrict the construction of tall buildings at Johor's Pasir Gudang.

Where is Malaysia at in 2018?

Top photo via Khaw Boon Wan Facebook