Malaysia–Singapore Finalise Immigration Deal for RTS Link Ahead of 2027 Launch
Malaysia and Singapore have signed an additional agreement to finalise co-located immigration arrangements for the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, ensuring seamless border clearance when the line begins operations in January 2027. The signing, witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during the 12th Annual Leaders’ Retreat, confirms that both countries’ immigration officers will operate within the same complex for a single-point clearance system.
The RTS Link — connecting Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru to Woodlands North in Singapore — remains on schedule for completion by Dec 31, 2026. Anwar noted that discussions with Wong also covered urgent border congestion issues, enhancements to the cross-border taxi scheme, the Batu Putih matter, and unresolved maritime topics.
Both leaders highlighted significant progress in energy cooperation, including green electricity trading and cross-border interconnection projects. Singapore’s Energy Market Authority has granted conditional approval for the import of 1GW of low-carbon power from Sarawak, while a joint feasibility study is underway for a second power link between both nations. These initiatives support the long-term regional vision of the Asean Power Grid.
Economic momentum within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) also continues to build, with Singapore-based companies committing over S$5.5 billion in investments as of October.
Dec 09,2025