Singapore, Malaysia test emergency response to simulated fire on stranded RTS Link train

It followed a tabletop exercise in September, during which officers from both countries reviewed emergency response procedures covering fires, medical emergencies, natural hazards and security incidents.

The 4km RTS Link will connect Woodlands North in Singapore with Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru.

Designed to ease congestion at the Causeway, one of the world’s busiest land border crossings, the rail link will be able to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction.

Customs, immigration and quarantine facilities will be co-located at both stations, allowing passengers to clear both countries’ immigration checks before boarding.

Earlier this month, authorities from both countries announced that passenger services would be delayed until February 2027, as more time was needed to complete testing, obtain independent safety certification and secure regulatory approvals.

RTS Link’s operator, RTS Operations, expects to complete final system tests and trial runs by Dec 31, with the revised opening date subject to the necessary safety certification and regulatory approvals.

Infrastructure works on both sides of the border are substantially complete, the authorities said.