Malaysia and Singapore finalised an additional RTS Link agreement for co-located immigration facilities, with the cross-border project on track for 2027
SINGAPORE: Malaysia and Singapore signed an additional agreement for the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link today.
The supplementary deal finalises the arrangement for co-located immigration facilities under the cross-border rail project.
Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Singapore’s Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow inked the agreement.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Singapore counterpart Lawrence Wong witnessed the signing during the 12th Malaysia-Singapore Annual Leaders’ Retreat.
Loke clarified that co-location means immigration officers from both countries will operate within the same complex.
This allows travellers to clear both countries’ immigration checks at a single point.
The RTS Link connects Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru and Woodlands North in Singapore.
It remains on track for completion by 31 December 2026, with operations set to begin in January 2027.
Anwar said he and Wong also discussed the issue of congestion at the border crossing.
They spoke about improving the cross-border taxi scheme to enhance convenience for travellers.
Other topics included the Batu Putih issue and several unresolved maritime matters.
Anwar said both nations are seeking the best solution to resolve the dispute.
He noted it involves aspects of national sovereignty and is more complex than other issues.
Bilateral cooperation in energy transition and energy import also showed significant progress.
“This cooperation has been clearly forged,” Anwar said.
He stated efforts are being initiated so that Sarawak can export energy easily.
This would ensure the energy needs in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore are met.
The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation has been instructed to expedite this collaboration.
The annual leaders’ retreat is hosted alternately by Malaysia and Singapore.
It serves as the highest-level platform to review bilateral relations and discuss mutual interests. – Bernama
