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.