JOHOR BARU: Malaysians are still not allowed to go to Middle Rocks.

Federal Marine Police commander Senior Asst Comm II Isa Munir said the decision whether to allow people to go there had yet to be made.

"We have to wait for the decision by the Government and I am not sure when it will be made," he told The Star yesterday.

SAC II Isa added that Malaysia and Singapore had to resolve several issues over Middle Rocks before people could have access there.

"Among these are the boundaries and territorial waters of the two countries.

"I strongly advise the public to avoid any unwanted tension with Singapore by going there."

On Friday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Singapore had sovereignty over the disputed Pulau Batu Puteh or Pedra Branca, while Malaysia owned Middle Rocks.

On the other disputed territory of South Ledge, the ICJ ruled that it belonged to the country in whose territorial waters the rocky outcrop was located.

The ICJ decision brought to a close the 28-year-old territorial dispute between both countries, and was immediately described as a "win-win" outcome by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, who led the Malaysian side at The Hague where the court is located.

Singapore said it was pleased with the judgment although it was not totally in its favour.

Both countries pledged to abide by the decision of the ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, whose decision is final and not subject to appeal.