S'pore denies infringement

S'pore denies infringement

SINGAPORE (Reuters): Singapore said on Saturday it was puzzled
by Malaysia's latest allegations the island state's aircraft had
intruded into its airspace.

"MINDEF (Ministry of Defense) is puzzled by these latest
allegations of intrusion and wishes to reiterate that there is no
reason whatsoever for the RSAF (Republic of Singapore Air Force)
to intrude into Malaysian airspace," a MINDEF statement said.

Malaysia's government, citing noise and pollution problems and
public concern, in September canceled the blanket approval the
RSAF had to enter its airspace.

Instead, it said, permission would have to be sought for each
case individually.

Malaysian Defense Minister Syed Hamid Albar and his deputy
have said this month that Singapore aircraft had entered
Malaysian territory without permission several times after the
restrictions were imposed.

In a point-by-point rebuttal, MINDEF said Singapore air force
planes always adhered to terms and conditions covering flights
into Malaysia airspace.