Singapore will not allow any foreign government vessels to assert authority in Singapore territorial waters, Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan reiterated in Parliament on Tues in response to NMP Walter Theseira’s question on the collision between Malaysian vessel Polaris and Greece-registered bulk vessel MV Pireas on Feb 9. The minister clarified that the Pireas was not detained by the Malaysian authorities and the collision was not considered very serious under IMO Marine Casualty Investigation Code, the Greek vessel was allowed to proceed to Tanjung Pelapas. The Polaris belongs to the Malaysian Marine Department and is used to mark territory or safety hazards. Dr Balakrishnan reiterated that these are Singapore territorial waters and are now designated Singapore port limits. All vessels passing through these waters should take instructions from MPA, he said. “Any foreign government vessels have no locus standi to be issuing any instructions,” the minister said. “If there are any attempts to assert authority or take any unauthorised actions, our agencies, our vessels and our forces will take appropriate actions.”... Continue Reading