Malaysia will wait for the report from a technical committee before deciding on Singapore's claim to territorial sea and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) around Pedra Branca.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Rais Yatim said that the committee, comprising experts and authorities from both countries, was preparing reports to be submitted to both governments.

'The committee will work out the scope and determine what are the areas that ought to be cleared through legal and technical means,' he told reporters on Wednesday when clarifying an earlier report quoting him as saying that Malaysia would have to study Singapore's recent decision on Pedra Branca to see if the matter was intimidating.

'There is no question of intimidation or untoward expectations,' said Dr Rais.

Singapore Senior Minister of State Balaji Sadasivan told its Parliament on Monday that the island state had a territorial sea limit that extended up to a maximum of 12 nautical miles and an EEZ which was consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The International Court of Justice handed sovereignty of Batu Puteh to Singapore while Middle Rocks were given to Malaysia.

The third outcrop, South Ledge, belongs to the country in the territorial waters of which it is located.

Dr Rais said he and his Singapore counterpart Mr George Yeo had agreed to allow the technical committee to look into the matter first.

'I must emphasise that relations between Malaysia and Singapore are not in anyway affected by this recent development,' he said.

In Kuala Lumpur, Umno Youth chief Hishammuddin Tun Hussein on Wednesday called on the Foreign Ministry to stand firm on the country's sovereignty.

He said the statement by Mr Balaji was an indication that Singapore had ignored the spirit of bilateral relations and Asean solidarity.

'The statement clearly shows that Singapore doesn't respect the call by the International Court of Justice that efforts to develop this region should come through cooperation,' he said in a statement.

PAS Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub said Singapore's statement showed disrespect for Malaysia and was untimely as the technical committee has yet to decide on the maritime border.

'So please, Singapore, don't jump the gun,' he said. -- The Star/ANN.