Malaysia and Singapore continue talks on maritime boundary near Pedra Branca, says Mohamad Hasan

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Malaysia and Singapore are continuing negotiations on the delimitation of their maritime boundary, including the waters surrounding Pedra Branca (Batu Puteh), Middle Rocks and South Ledge.

According to a written parliamentary reply by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan on 1 December 2025, discussions remain active through long-standing bilateral platforms.

He noted that both sides have maintained positive momentum in meetings held since 2020.

Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia’s maritime boundary negotiation team comprises agencies including the Defence Ministry, the National Security Council and the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

He stated that the team is committed to safeguarding sovereignty, sovereign rights and national interests throughout the process.

He emphasised that the ministry, as the lead agency, continues to monitor developments and assess possible actions from the perspectives of international law and bilateral diplomacy.

The reply was issued in response to a parliamentary question from Tenggar MP Manndzri Nasib.

Manndzri Nasib had asked about Malaysia’s plans and follow-up actions concerning the Batu Puteh case.

Mohamad Hasan explained that maritime boundary issues involving Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge are handled under two primary bilateral mechanisms.

One is the Malaysia–Singapore Joint Technical Committee on implementing the International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment, together with the Committee for Boundary Delimitation.

The second is the Joint Sub-Committee on Maritime Boundary Delimitation.

Both platforms are led by senior officials from the respective foreign ministries.

Mohamad Hasan said the government is committed to advancing negotiations with Singapore based on technical and legal principles.

He stressed that both countries continue to work towards a fair and equitable solution.

He added that during the official visit of Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and the 11th Malaysia–Singapore Leaders’ Retreat in Putrajaya in January 2025, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to continue negotiations.

The prolong dispute over Pedra Branca between Singapore and Malaysia

The ICJ ruled in 2008 that Pedra Branca belonged to Singapore, while Middle Rocks was awarded to Malaysia.

The court also held that sovereignty over South Ledge depended on the delimitation of territorial waters.

Malaysia filed an application in 2017 to review the ruling but withdrew it in May 2018.

Since 2020, Malaysia and Singapore have held structured meetings to determine the maritime boundary in the area.

The Foreign Ministry reiterated that Malaysia’s negotiation team includes agencies such as the Department of Survey and Mapping, the National Hydrographic Centre, the Marine Department and the Johor state government.

It said the team remains committed to ensuring that Malaysia’s sovereignty and sovereign rights are protected.

The ministry added that it continues to assess all possible actions based on international law and diplomatic considerations.

The dispute carries historical significance.

Malaysia first asserted its claim over Pedra Branca in 1979 through a map outlining territorial waters.

Singapore protested in 1980 and brought the case to the ICJ in 2003.

Malaysia later constructed the Abu Bakar Maritime Base at Middle Rocks in 2017.

In 2021, Singapore announced plans for a seven-hectare land reclamation project at Pedra Branca.

Malaysia raised objections, and in February 2023, Singapore agreed to temporarily suspend planning and reclamation activities until maritime boundaries were finalised.

In 2023, a Malaysian special task force reported that the 2018 withdrawal of the application to review the ICJ ruling may have been erroneous.

In January 2024, Attorney General Tan Sri Idrus Harun said the Cabinet viewed the withdrawal as “not in order” and “improper”.