“The instruction was given so as not to jeopardise the conditions necessary for constructive discussions and peaceful resolution of the dispute,” Ng Eng Hen said in the Singapore parliament today.

He was responding to questions from MPs on the alleged “intrusions into Singapore Territorial Waters off Tuas”, on steps taken to prevent further Malaysian government vessels (MGVs) from entering the waters.

Singapore gazetted the waters as part of its port limits on Dec 6, 2018.

“Since Dec 3, 2018 when intrusions by MGVs began, our security personnel have repeatedly pressed these vessels to withdraw from the waters,” Ng said.

“We will continue to do so as their presence does not strengthen Malaysia’s legal claims in any way and indeed, as we have said before, can result in mishaps or regrettable incidents,” he said.

Ng said Singapore welcomed assurances by Putrajaya to take measures to de-escalate the tensions in the waters.

Singapore and Malaysia had on Jan 8 agreed to establish a working group which will study and discuss the legal and operational matters in order to de-escalate the situation on the ground, and provide a basis for further discussions and negotiations.

The working group is to report to the foreign ministers within two months.