KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 4): The Ministry of Transport will hold a meeting with Singapore's Civil Aviation Authority Singapore on the Firefly Sdn Bhd flight move from Changi to Seletar Airport.

Speaking to the Dewan Rakyat today, Minister Anthony Loke said that the government - through the Minister Foreign Affairs will issue a protest note to Singapore on the procedure (Instrument Landing System) that breaks the national principles sovereignty by the country.

"The Malaysian Government is committed to defending the sovereignty and to safeguard the national interest. Issues that relates to the important strategic and airspace management will be given attention," he said.

Loke was responding to a question from the Pasir Gudang member of parliament, PKR's Hassan Abdul Karim who asked whether the move will effect Pasir Gudang's infrastructure and ports. 

Loke said in order to protect the airspace and infrastructures in Pasir Gudang, Johor, the government has decided to not let Singapore proceed with the new procedure.

"The decision was informed to Singapore on Nov 28 and 29. However, Singapore has proceeded with the procedure on Dec 1, 2018 and will be made effective on Jan 3, 2019 without Malaysia's approval," he said.

He said the the procedure is in contrast to the national sovereignty that was intended under Convention on International Civil Aviation Chicago Convention 1944.

Referring to getting back Malaysia's gated airspace in the Southern region since 1974 that was represented by Singapore for Airtraffic control, Loke said that it was under an operational letter of agreement between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore area control centre concerning departure, flight and whole flight.

"The government has informed Singapore on Nov 29, 2018 on the plan to take back the national sovereignty in stages with the first one on the end of 2019 and lastly on 2023," he said, adding that it has to be done in stages in order for the planes to have a safe flight.

He said that the Malaysian government will have a detailed discussion with Singapore on the gated airspace and will refer to International Civial Aviation Organisation if needed.

On Nov 22, Firefly Sdn Bhd was suspended from flying into Singapore effective Dec 1, 2018.

The suspension was on Singapore's authority plan to move turbo-prop operations from Changi International to Seletar Airports.