USE OF MALAYSIAN AIRSPACE BY REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE AIR FORCE (Restrictions)

Dr Ong Chit Chung asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence how the Malaysian Government's decision to terminate various arrangements governing the use of Malaysian airspace by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will affect RSAF training and operations and Search and Rescue, and what measures were taken up by the RSAF to deal with this development.

Mr Cyrille Tan asked the Minister for Defence, with the restrictions imposed on the usage of Malaysian airspace, what measures are being considered by the SAF to (i) work around the restrictions; and (ii) improve on their search-and-rescue operations.

The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Mr Matthias Yao Chih) (for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence): Sir, may I have permission to take Question Nos. 15 and 16 together?

Mr Speaker: Yes.

Mr Matthias Yao Chih: Thank you, Sir.

Sir, Malaysia's decision to terminate the various agreements and arrangements have not affected the RSAF's training and operations, but it will have an adverse effect on search and rescue operations. On 17th September this year, Malaysia informed the Ministry of Defence that it was terminating various agreements and arrangements governing the RSAF's use of Malaysian airspace. Their decision came into effect on 18th September, giving us less than 24 hours notice. This was a unilateral decision by Malaysia. We were not given prior notification nor consulted.

Malaysia's decision affected the agreements and arrangements covering:

(1) RSAF flights through South Johor to the South China Sea Training Area;

(2) RSAF training within Malaysia's Low-Flying Area;

(3) RSAF navigational training flights in Peninsular and East Malaysia;

(4) RSAF aircraft taking off from Tengah Airbase using South Johor airspace; and

(5) The combined Search and Rescue operations and exercises.

MINDEF and the SAF plan for all contingencies and Malaysia's decision has not curtailed the RSAF's training and operations. When the decision was conveyed to us, the RSAF immediately implemented alternative arrangements. Today, the RSAF conducts its training and operational flights with the same frequency and tempo as before. RSAF aircraft proceeding to their training areas no longer transit through Malaysian airspace but take alternative routes. In doing so, we have not compromised on safety. The RSAF has been working closely with CAAS to ensure the proper sequencing of RSAF flights and civil air traffic so that air safety is not compromised. We have also minimised the number of RSAF flights over built-up areas. However, the adjustments in flight paths could mean some inconvenience to those living on both sides of the Johor Straits as more aircraft now have to fly over Singapore's territorial waters in the Straits. In fact, several of the arrangements which Malaysia terminated had been designed to reduce the aircraft noise level.

The RSAF does not depend on any one country for its training needs. The RSAF has established extensive overseas training arrangements. These have provided valuable training areas and also the opportunity to train and exercise with other highly professional air forces. We will continue to look for new training areas in other parts of the world. In addition, we have invested heavily in advanced training simulators. We will continue to conduct more sophisticated training and exercises and make more extensive use of simulators to ensure that the RSAF's operational and training effectiveness continues to be of the highest standard.

MINDEF would like to clarify some of the misconceptions about the agreements and arrangements covered by Malaysia's actions. First, the arrangements did not allow RSAF aircraft a free run of Malaysian airspace. For safety and other reasons, the arrangements - 1.30 pm

Mr Speaker: Order. It is 1.30 pm. End of Question Time.

[Pursuant to Standing Order No. 21(3), Written Answers to Question Nos. 15-20, 22, 24-26, 28-29 and 33-47 are reproduced in the section,"Oral Answers To Questions Not Reached (Cols. 1125-56). Question Nos. 21, 23, 27 and 30-32 have been postponed to the next sitting of Parliament.]