ILS for Runway 03 more viable than Pasir Gudang path

By AFIQ AZIZ / Pic By ISMAIL CHE RUS

The Ministry of Transport (MoT) said the implementation of the new Instrumental Landing System (ILS) procedures for Runway 03 on the southern side of Seletar Airport would be more viable compared to the Pasir Gudang pathway.

Minister Anthony Loke (picture) said the new ILS procedures for Runway 03 would not impose any additional impact on other airspace users, as well as businesses and residents in Singapore.

“The ensuing tension between both countries is indeed unnecessary and can be avoided by implementing the new ILS procedures for Runway 03 on the southern side of Seletar Airport as opposed to Runway 21 on the northern side.”

Loke said the Malaysian government appreciates its counterpart’s commitment to develop the instrument flight procedures for Runway 03 within Singapore’s sovereign airspace.

In response to Singaporean Transport Ministry’s statement on Monday, Loke expressed his agreement that it would be useful for negotiations between both countries to be kept confidential to facilitate frank and constructive exchanges.

“It is a matter of principle for MoT Malaysia not to release correspondences between the parties to address media queries and to garner public support.”

The minister maintained the government’s stance that Singapore’s unilateral move to publish the new ILS procedures for Seletar Airport in the Aeronautical Information Publication is indeed a clear violation of Malaysia’s sovereignty and international standards.

On his Facebook yesterday, Loke explained why the government opposes the ILS registration,which is expected to be effective from Jan 3 next year.

He said the ILS, if approved, will set a very slim buffer between the Pasir Gudang ground level and the minimum height of planes allowed to fly.

Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Marzuki Yahya said in a press conference yesterday that Wisma Putra is set to send a representative to Singapore by this week on the matter.