Singapore was told today to stop making statements that could "irritate" Malaysia. International Trade and Industry minister Rafidah Aziz said that "certain people" in Singapore had lately made remarks that appeared to intentionally "bring irritation to our bilateral relations".

"Singapore, if it regards Malaysia as a good neighbour in Asean, then don't do or say anything that will irritate Malaysia," Rafidah told a press conference.

"Malaysia doesn't like to have any frictions with anyone, especially with a neighbour that's so close to us."

Rafidah was commenting on a report in today's Malay-language newspaper Utusan Malaysia that a youth leader of Singapore's People's Action Party (PAP) had described Malaysian journalists as "wild animals".

She was also asked about Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong's recent remarks that he failed to understand why the Malaysian media was harping on a Singapore land reclamation project as it was within its own boundary.

Right to observe

Rafidah said Malaysia had a right to make its observation as the project could affect its maritime boundary and obstruct its sea lane.

"When we make statements, we are not interfering in their internal affairs. We have a right to make observations if something that's done in Singapore can jeopardise our country," she said.

"The land reclamation is not only their internal affair because their work is related to our boundary, on the deepest points of the water, erosion... it's not as simple as to say don't interfere."

Malaysia has expressed concern over Singapore's land reclamation programme in the Tebrau Strait separating the two countries.

The government fears work at certain stretches along the straits is too close to Malaysia's border and would obstruct ships headed for ports in the Johor state.

Spirit of neighbourliness

Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said today he hoped the disagreement over Singapore's project could be handled amicably.

"I believe this matter can be handled properly. I hope we can discuss in the spirit of neighbourliness and find a solution for our common benefit," he was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency.

Syed Hamid said there was "no need to add" to issues which have created friction between the two neighbours since Singapore became independent from the Malaysian Federation in 1965.

"We know there are certain issues that could offend the feelings of others and we must avoid hurting them. It is not necessary ... to raise controversial issues," he added.

Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's visit to Malaysia from March 11-14 would boost ties between the two countries, he added.

Prickly relations

Relations between Malaysia and its tiny but prosperous neighbour have often been prickly.

Apart from the land reclamation project, Malaysia was also irked by Singapore's ban on Islamic headscarves in schools and its recent suspension of three girls who flouted the ban.

Other issues that have strained ties include water supplies, a proposed bridge linking the countries and the use of Malaysian airspace by Singaporean aircraft. (AFP)