KUALA LUMPUR: The Transport Ministry has accused its Singapore counterparts of being “partial and selective” when disseminating information over the issue concerning the proposed Instrument Landing System (ILS) procedure for Seletar Airport.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke, in a statement, said that while the ministry was appreciative of efforts by Singapore to promote transparency by releasing documents pertaining to its consultations with Malaysia on Dec 4, he said the disclosure was "partial and selective with the primary aim of influencing public opinion".
Loke said the Singapore Transport Ministry should also release the letters issued from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) dated Oct 9, 2018; Nov 15, 2018; Nov 21, 2018 and Nov 28, 2018.
"Failing to do so, we are prepared to release the letters for full disclosure of such information for the public's comprehension of our stand on the same," Loke said.
The ILS, a ground-based instrument which combines radio signals and high-intensity lighting, provides precision guidance for pilots when approaching and landing, especially during rainy weather or low visibility conditions.
Malaysia had objected plans by Singapore to boost development at Seletar Airport, which could jeopardise development around Pasir Gudang, Johor. Malaysia had opined that the proposed ILS for Seletar could affect height restrictions on development in Pasir Gudang.
The government said it would jeopardise the development around Pasir Gudang as each building or structure there would need to abide by height restrictions imposed by international standards. The publication of the ILS would also affect shipping operations around Pasir Gudang port.