CONTROL OF AIR SPACE

Mr Chuang Shaw Peng asked the Minister for Communications whether the proposed change in control of air space in southern peninsula by Malaysia will affect in any way our national security and airport services.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: Air traffic service arrangements are drawn up under the auspices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) which is the international organisation responsible for the safety and efficiency of international civil aviation. The existing arrangement over Southern Peninsular Malaysia has been in existence since 1975.

Under this arrangement, Singapore undertook the responsibility to provide air traffic services without charge to all users, thus ensuring that air navigation in this area is conducted with the highest level of safety and efficiency. Everyone in the international civil aviation community, especially airlines, pilots and air travellers, benefits from this arrangement. It has also contributed to the growth of air traffic and helped develop economies and airports in the region.

Any changes to air traffic service arrangements are normally discussed and endorsed by ICAO because it involves issues of safety and efficiency and is of vital concern to all members of the international civil aviation community.