JELEBU - Malaysian Foreign Minister Rais Yatim yesterday warned Singapore against pressing its claim over an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) around Pedra Branca, comparing the act to 'stirring a hornet's nest'.

'If you want to negotiate, let's negotiate. There is no need to encroach, no need to test the market or our waters,' he told reporters after attending an event in his constituency in Negeri Sembilan.

He said Malaysia would be firm with the Republic, and Singapore leaders would only invite trouble if they pushed the issue, Bernama news agency reported.

Dr Rais also said he was 'puzzled' over Singapore's stand, adding that the EEZ claim should not have been made. He said the joint technical committee, formed after the International Court of Justice's (ICJ's) decision in May to award the island to the Republic, was still in the midst of resolving outstanding matters.

He added that he and Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo had agreed to respect the status quo until the technical committee had completed its task, Bernama reported.

Dr Rais said if Singapore was adamant about pressing its claim, then Malaysia would not hesitate to take legal action against the Republic.

His remarks yesterday was the latest salvo by Malaysian politicians and media commentators after Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Balaji Sadasivan made a statement in Parliament last Monday on the Republic's right to claim the territorial sea and EEZ around Pedra Branca.

In a statement last Friday, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said the Republic did not take a new position when Dr Balaji gave his response in Parliament.

Singapore first stated its claim to a territorial sea limit that extends up to a maximum of 12 nautical miles and an EEZ in an MFA news statement on Sept 15, 1980, the ministry said.

This was reiterated in another MFA news statement on May 23 this year following the ICJ's decision, it added.

The chief of the youth wing of Parti Islam SeMalaysia, Mr Salahuddin Ayub, on Friday also lashed out at Singapore, accusing it of behaving like Israel in dealing with its neighbours over territorial issues.