SINGAPORE – Singapore and Malaysia have inked an additional deal on the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link.
The two countries will also conduct more joint activities and exercises as they strengthen collaboration in their fight against the trafficking of illicit drugs and work together more on healthcare under agreements exchanged on Dec 4.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim witnessed the exchange during the 12th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat held at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore hotel.
At a press conference following the exchange, PM Wong spoke about various successful joint projects the two countries have shared in recent years, including “good progress” on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, and Malaysia’s formal agreement to Singapore opening consulates in the eastern states of Sabah and Sarawak.
He added that there is “tremendous potential for this to grow further – we have only just begun” especially with the upcoming RTS Link.
On the new deal, PM Wong said it will “facilitate preparations for co-located CIQ (customs, immigration, and quarantine facilities) and the eventual operationalisation of the RTS Link”.
He added that officials are discussing improvements to the cross-border taxi scheme to provide more convenient options to commuters from both sides.
The two prime ministers also discussed outstanding bilateral issues including airspace, water and maritime borders, PM Wong said.
Officials on both sides have had several rounds of discussions, and a better understanding of each other’s position but will still need time to resolve them. “All of these outstanding bilateral issues are complex issues. There are differences in views, and they are not easy to resolve, but as good neighbors, we will continue engaging in good faith,” he said.
On water, PM Wong said both sides have “without prejudice to one another’s positions” opened discussions on the price of raw and treated water.
