KUALA LUMPUR: The Foreign Ministry has responded to recent reports on the presence of a foreign military vessel near an offshore oil rig in Malaysia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
"While we have noted these reports, we are unable to comment on their accuracy or specifics regarding the movements of military vessels, as these matters fall under operational security and defence authorities," it said in a statement.
It added that Malaysia's stance on the South China Sea remains consistent.
"We are committed to defending our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and interests in our maritime areas, as outlined in the 1979 Malaysia Map, " it said.
"This position is in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.
"In line with our dedication to maintaining the South China Sea as a region of peace, stability, and trade, Malaysia will continue to engage diplomatically with all relevant countries," it said.
Malaysia will continue to engage diplomatically with all relevant nations and resolve disputes through peaceful means, following the principles of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), which advocates for the avoidance of threats or the use of force, it added.