Malaysia's Foreign Ministry said it won't accede to Singapore's demand for Putrajaya to revert its Johor Bahru Port border alteration, which the city-state claims currently encroaches into its waters.

However, the ministry said it will take measures to de-escalate the situation with Singapore.

"The ministry referred to Singapore's diplomatic note of Dec 8, in which Singapore declined Malaysia's proposal for both countries to mutually cease and desist sending assets into the disputed area, with a view of de-escalating tensions on the ground, pending discussions on the outstanding maritime boundary issues.

"Singapore also called upon Malaysia to return to the status quo prior to Oct 25 by immediately withdrawing all Malaysian government vessels in the area.

"While the Government of Malaysia is unable to accede to Singapore's counter-proposal, Malaysia will take all effective measures to de-escalate the situation on the ground, reaffirming its position to handle the situation in a calm and peaceful manner," it said in a statement today.

The statement was made after the ministry called on the Singapore high commissioner to discuss the maritime dispute.

"During the discussion, the ministry welcomed Singapore's continued emphasis on the importance of dialogue, and its willingness to engage with Malaysia in resolving matters amicably, along with its consideration of Malaysia's proposed agenda for the bilateral discussion.

"Malaysia is also agreeable to Singapore's counter-proposed dates in January 2019," it said.

The Foreign Ministry also stressed the importance of bilateral relations with Singapore and expressed hope that discussions will commence expeditiously.

In an immediate response, the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is encouraged by Malaysia’s efforts to de-escalate the situation and welcomed the agreement for both parties to meet in January.

However, it reiterated its call to revert to the status quo prior to Oct 25.

“The Singapore government notes the statement issued by the Malaysian government this evening. Malaysia has acknowledged that Singapore’s proposal would have been without prejudice to both sides’ respective positions on the maritime boundary.

“Singapore is hence disappointed that Malaysia is unable to accede to Singapore’s proposal to go back to the status quo ante prior to Oct 25 […]

“Singapore reiterates its call to Malaysia to revert to the status quo ante prior to Oct 25. This will avoid misunderstandings and potential issues on the ground.

“Malaysia’s deployments in this area will not strengthen its legal claim and can only heighten tensions. Malaysia will be responsible for any untoward situations on the ground that arise from continued deployment of its vessels into this area,” it said in a statement today.