"There were three violations by Malaysian state vessels over the last week of December. There were five more violations last week," Defence Minister Tony Tan told parliament.

"In these incidents, the Malaysian vessels came close to Pedra Branca and conducted various activities," Tan said.

The two sides are locked in a dispute over who has sovereignty over the small rocky outcrop on their maritime border which Malaysia calls Batu Puteh.

Singapore said it has exercised sovereign rights on the islet since the 1840s when the British colonial government occupied it and constructed a lighthouse. Malaysia maintains it has had sovereignty over the territory since the early 16th century.

"Sir, Pedra Branca is Singapore's territory," Tan said in a parliamentary session.

"The RSN (Republic of Singapore Navy) will continue to carry out its mission of safeguarding Singapore's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The RSN will continue to patrol our territorial waters off Pedra Branca," he said.

Singapore and Malaysia have agreed to sign a pact to refer the row to the International Court of Justice on February 6.

The two sides have had a testy relationship since Singapore was expelled from the Malaysian Federation and gained independence in 1965.

Other disputes include the sale of Malaysian water to the city-state, a proposed new bridge linking the two countries, use of Malaysian airspace by Singaporean aircraft and the location of Malaysia's customs, immigration and quarantine facilities in Singapore.

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