Middle Rocks, Johor

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The approximate location of Middle Rocks in the South China Sea is marked on the map by a cross
The approximate location of Middle Rocks in the South China Sea is marked on the map by a cross

Middle Rocks (Malay: Batuan Tengah) consists of two uninhabitable small rocks separated by 250 meters of open water located at the eastern opening of the Straits of Singapore in Malaysia. It is roughly 8.0 nautical miles to the southeast of the Malaysian state of Johor and just 0.6 nautical miles south of Pedra Branca. It stands between 0.6 to 1.0 meter above sea level.[1]

[edit] International Court of Justice ruling

Main article: Pedra Branca dispute

The rocks together with Pedra Branca and another rock formation within the vicinity known as South Ledge were subject to a territorial dispute between Malaysia and Singapore. For Middle Rocks and South Ledge, the dispute arose when Singapore claimed both islets in 1993. Both Southeast Asian countries agreed to bring the matter to International Court of Justice in 2003 and hearing was held 2007. The court ruled 15-1 that Middle Ledge belonged to Malaysia while awarding Pedra Branca to Singapore. The status of South Ledge remained unresolved.[1]

Following the decision, both countries said they would hold discussions to establish the maritime border around the area.

Malaysia sent a team from its Mapping and Survey Department which constructed a flag pole, five markers and a monument between June 4, 2008 and June 12, 2008. The Malaysian flag was raised and the team sang the Malaysian national anthem, Negaraku during a ceremony which was covered by the press on June 13, 2008 and June 14, 2008.[2]

[edit] Reference

  1. ^ a b Anbalagan, V (2008-05-25). "Fisherman can no access Middle Rocks", New Straits Times. Retrieved on 2008-05-25. 
  2. ^ Zolkepli, Farik (2008-06-15). "Jalur Gemilang flying high at Middle Rocks", Sunday Star. Retrieved on 2008-06-15. 
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_Rocks,_Johor"
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