PASIR GUDANG: Singapore is seen to be adhering to the month-long suspension of the Restricted Area (RA) over Pasir Gudang airspace and the implementation of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) procedures for Seletar Airport.
This is because no aircraft was seen flying over Pasir Gudang beginning today.
A three-hour observation by the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) here at the port town's centre since 9am failed to detect any aircraft from the republic flying over it's airspace.
It is an indication that the suspension is being adhered to as residents claim that normally, during the period, aircraft from Singapore can be seen flying over the town.
Previously, big and small aircraft can were seen flying low as they make their descent into the Seletar airport, which is located just off the Johor Straits overlooking the Johor Port in Pasir Gudang.
Commenting on the suspension, Isa Mesuron, 59, said he welcomes the decision taken by both countries and hoped it will be made permanent.
"The use of Malaysian airspace by Singapore is inappropriate as it will disrupt development in the country, especially in Pasir Gudang.
"The temporary suspension is good but it is better if it (the ILS procedure) is cancelled altogether. I hope the one month period would be enough to review the pros and cons of the ILS," said the civil servant.
He said since moving to Pasir Gudang 19 years ago, he would often see Singaporean aircraft flying low over the town centre before landing at the Seletar Airport.
"This situation has become a nuisance to the resident and community in the city centre. We need to consider the risks of something untowards like a crash happening, which would impact the residents here," said Isa.
Housewife S. Manonmani, 51, said regardless of the suspension, it is more important for Malaysia and Singapore to reach an agreement on the matter.
"This has been happening for a long time. It is good that it has been suspended but both countries have to sit down to discuss the matter amicably. Maybe Singapore can change the path of the aircraft by using only their airspace," she said.
Trader Rosita Awang, 44, said the residents are uneasy with the usage of the area's airspace by foreign aircraft as it not only causes noise but also concerns whenever planes get too close to buildings.
"We are worried that something bad might happen. So, it this endangers the people, it is better if it is cancelled," said Rosita.
On Tuesday, the Foreign Ministries of Malaysia and Singapore reached an agreement to suspend the permanent RA in the Pasir Gudang airspace and the ILS procedures for a month, which meant that flights bound for Seletar Airport will not be allowed to use Pasir Gudang airspace in that period.
The agreement was made at a meeting between Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah and his Singaporean counterpart Dr Vivian Balakrishnan in Singapore.
The neighbouring countries have been in a row in the past one and-a-half months in regards to the new ILS procedures as well as over a maritime dispute over Malaysia's plan to extend the limits of the Port of Johor Baru.