SINGAPORE – Singapore and Malaysia have opened discussions on the price of raw and treated water, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in an update on outstanding bilateral issues between the two countries.

They are also in talks on new infrastructure that will strengthen the resilience of water supply, especially in the face of extreme weather changes, he added.

While both countries have different views on the complex issues of water, airspace and maritime boundaries, “as good neighbours, we will continue engaging in good faith”, said PM Wong.

On the issue of airspace, PM Wong also said both countries will carry out a joint study on optimising air traffic management.

He and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met on Dec 4 in Singapore for the 12th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat, an annual high-level meet where the two leaders take stock of bilateral cooperation.

Both leaders have guided their officials to continue discussions in a constructive spirit and with mutual respect, said PM Wong.

“We look forward to working with Malaysia to achieve positive and durable outcomes with a balance of benefits for both sides.”

“Even as we continue these discussions, we will ensure that we maintain the positive tenor of our overall relationship, and do not allow these issues to colour or undermine our overall cooperation,” said PM Wong.

PM Wong said that the discussions on water prices are taking place “without prejudice to one another’s positions”.

Singapore and Malaysia have a shared interest to increase the yield and safeguard the water quality of the Johor River, said PM Wong.

He noted that this will help guard against extreme weather changes or disruption scenarios, meet Johor’s growing needs, and meet Singapore’s needs as provided for under the 1962 Water Agreement.

The water agreement, which expires in 2061...