‘No room for illegal activities’: Malaysia stresses security, efficiency for JB-Singapore RTS Link

“The key point is that when operations begin, we will not face manpower shortages,” said Saifuddin. 

He also touched on progress of border control co-location – where both countries are implementing legal frameworks to support how Singapore enforcement agencies can be stationed at Johor Bahru and similarly Malaysian officers at Woodlands North station. 

On May 5, Singapore passed the Cross-Border Railways (Border Control Co-Location Bill) which, among other facets, allows for the co-location of both countries’ customs, immigration and quarantine facilities at each station.  

Saifuddin said that on this aspect, cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore has been “very good”. 

He added that Malaysia has completed its side of the law amendments, and that this was being gazetted. 

“According to our timeline, Singapore must also enact domestic laws. Only then can we implement the co-location approach,” he added. 

The home affairs minister added that a series of joint Malaysia-Singapore technical discussions must proceed to refine the SOPs.  

“This is important because it symbolises neighbouring nations working together. It reflects mutual recognition that establishing a new border entry facility is not just about building physical infrastructure and systems – it must also include legal and regulatory aspects,” he said.