Following the collision between the Libyan-registered oil tanker, "Alyarmouk", and Singapore-registered bulk carrier, "Sinar Kapuas", on Friday, two oil spill response companies have been tasked with combating the resultant oil spill.

In a statement, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said the companies have since deployed four craft equipped with dispersants, oil booms and skimmers to the site.

Alyarmouk was en route from Tanjung Pelapas, Malaysia to China, and Sinar Kapuas from Hong Kong to Singapore, when the incident occurred in Singapore waters, about 11 nautical miles northeast of Pedra Branca.

The ship managers of Alyarmouk, V. Ships UK Ltd, estimate that 4,500 tonnes of Madura crude oil were spilled from the tanker.

Taking into account the weather and tidal currents, patches of oil may affect the northern parts of the island of Bintan.

The MPA is also working closely with the Indonesian authorities in line with the standard operating procedure for joint oil spill combat in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, and has offered its assistance in the containment operations.