In a closed door meeting in Putrajaya today, Malaysia and Singapore agreed to bring in independent experts to assess Singapore's reclamation works in the Tebrau straits - the waterway that separates the two nations.

Bernama reported that both countries agreed to the appointment of a consultant to assist the group of experts, and the appointment of liaison officials to facilitate communication between the two governments and the independent experts.

On Oct 8, the Hamburg-based International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea told Malaysia and Singapore to resolve dispute themselves, with the help of experts. Both countries were told to pay legal costs.

Malaysia had earlier asked the UN court to order Singapore to stop its land reclamation activities work pending arbitration, on grounds that it was damaging the environment and marine life in the waterway.

Exchange regular info

A two-page statement issued by Wisma Putra today read: "The meeting also affirmed their respective commitment to the ITLOS order that both countries exchange information on a regular basis and assess the risks or effects of Singapore's land reclamation works."

In line with the court order, both countries expressed their commitment to continue consultations through diplomatic channels, with a view to reaching a prompt agreement on "temporary measures", said the wire.

According to Bernama, the meeting which started last Thursday ended on an optimistic note, with both countries promising to continue consulting each other.

Malaysia was represented by Foreign Ministry Secretary General Fuzi Razak while Singapore by its Foreign Ministry's ambassador-at-large Tommy Koh.