{"id":16896,"date":"2025-12-05T01:15:23","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T17:15:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=16896"},"modified":"2025-12-05T01:15:23","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T17:15:23","slug":"new-sabah-sarawak-consulates-among-outcomes-from-singapore-malaysia-leaders-retreat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=16896","title":{"rendered":"New Sabah, Sarawak consulates among outcomes from Singapore-Malaysia Leaders\u2019 Retreat"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">SINGAPORE \u2013 <!-- -->The Republic will open new consulates in Sabah and Sarawak, and also signed a new agreement with Malaysia confirming that commuters need to clear immigration only once when departing through the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">These were among the updates given by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim after<a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/spore-and-malaysia-update-rts-plans-agree-to-collaborate-more-on-anti-drug-enforcement-and-health?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\"> their meeting on Dec 4 at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore hotel.<\/p>\n<p><\/a> <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The two countries reached agreements in several fields, including on health cooperation and more collaboration in the fight against illicit drugs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The leaders also spoke about longstanding bilateral issues on water, airspace and maritime boundaries. In a joint statement issued at the end of the retreat, both leaders reaffirmed to resolve these issues amicably and constructively, \u201cin a spirit of mutual respect, and in accordance with the principles of international law\u201d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Here are 10 takeaways from the 12th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders\u2019 Retreat:<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Malaysia has formally agreed to Singapore\u2019s proposal to open consulates in Sabah and Sarawak \u2013 something that was raised at the 11th edition of the retreat in Putrajaya in January.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">PM Wong said that the new consulates will allow Singapore to provide consular services to Singaporeans there, and deepen the ties between the people of both countries.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Singapore currently has two diplomatic missions in Malaysia. There is a high commission in Kuala Lumpur and a consulate in Johor Bahru that opened in 2009.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"PM Wong and Malaysian PM Anwar at the 12th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders\u2019 Retreat\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/QR1JNgzKAPI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Three deals were exchanged at the retreat, the first a supplementary agreement to the RTS Link Bilateral Agreement, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/singapore-malaysia-ink-bilateral-agreement-to-build-rts-link-by-2024?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">which was signed in 2018<\/p>\n<p><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Calling the RTS Link a \u201cmajor game changer\u201d for traffic flow between both countries, PM Wong said the new agreement facilitates preparations for co-located Customs, immigration, and quarantine facilities and the eventual operationalisation of the RTS Link.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">In a Facebook post later in the day, Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow said the agreement sets out the legal framework so commuters on both sides need to clear immigration only once at the point of departure.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cIt takes us one more step towards the operation of the RTS Link end of next year, which we both look forward to,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Under a new agreement, both countries will work together on exchange of information and best practices, exchange visits for experts and officials, joint training and capacity building programmes, as well as research collaboration, among other areas of cooperation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Some specific areas to be worked on include digital health, health financing, long-term care and healthy ageing, and public health, such as the prevention and control of communicable diseases.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Both countries also committed to working more closely in the fight against illicit drugs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Under the deal, the Singapore and Malaysian authorities will exchange information on trends and techniques used in the production, abuse, trafficking and illicit diversion of drugs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Public agencies from both countries will also work together on coordinated activities and exercises to prevent and control illicit drug trafficking.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Asked at the press conference whether the matter of capital punishment for drug offences was discussed, given that a number of Malaysians had been executed, PM Wong said it was not. He added that it has not resulted in bilateral issues.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cSingapore\u2019s strong and tough stance against drugs is very clear,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cWe hope that all countries understand why the rationale for our strong stance and respect the way in which we can go about conducting our policies on this front.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Datuk Seri Anwar said that due legal process has to be respected, and stressed also Malaysia\u2019s strong stance against drugs. <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cI\u2019m not suggesting, therefore, the families cannot appeal. They cannot be turned into a major or any political issue or differences, if at all,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"landscape inline-media-wrapper\" data-testid=\"inline-media-test-id\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-start relative w-fit\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/d34c3627be21132a6e16379ca5f19b1b0b7c69f307f4bd5b0767845a0a08c8c6?w=480\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 720px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/d34c3627be21132a6e16379ca5f19b1b0b7c69f307f4bd5b0767845a0a08c8c6?w=720\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 721px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/d34c3627be21132a6e16379ca5f19b1b0b7c69f307f4bd5b0767845a0a08c8c6?w=900\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/d34c3627be21132a6e16379ca5f19b1b0b7c69f307f4bd5b0767845a0a08c8c6\" alt=\"\" class=\"aspect-landscape flex items-start shrink-0 object-cover landscape article-landscape mobile:w-auto tablet:w-auto\" data-testid=\"image-test-id\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div><figcaption class=\"mobile:mx-16 tablet:mx-00 flex flex-col gap-08 py-16 desktop:pb-24\">\n<p class=\"font-eyebrow-baseline-regular text-secondary\" data-testid=\"inline-media-caption-test-id\">Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaking during the 12th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders\u2019 Retreat held at the Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore hotel on Dec 4.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-eyebrow-baseline-regular text-placeholder\" data-testid=\"inline-media-credit-test-id\">PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">PM Wong said that officials from both countries are discussing reciprocal improvements to the cross-border taxi scheme, with the goal of improving convenience for commuters.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Under the existing scheme, a licensed fleet of up to 200 taxis each from Singapore and Malaysia can ferry passengers between the Republic and Johor Bahru.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/politics\/singapore-malaysia-in-talks-to-let-cross-border-taxis-drop-off-passengers-anywhere-in-spore-jb?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">had said in October<\/p>\n<p><\/a> that the authorities of the two countries are discussing allowing Malaysian taxis to drop off passengers anywhere in Singapore rather than at a designated spot, and for Singapore taxis to do likewise in Johor Bahru.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">PM Wong noted that the demand for cross-border taxis has been increasing at a significant rate and that present services cannot cope with the rising demand.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He said this is an area with a lot of common ground between Singapore and Malaysia and there has been very good progress on discussions on this front, with updates expected soon. <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Citing the Energy Market Authority\u2019s recent award of conditional approval for a proposal by Sembcorp Utilities to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/asia\/se-asia\/work-on-singapore-sarawak-undersea-power-cables-to-start-in-2026-says-sarawak-minister?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">import low-carbon electricity from Sarawak into Singapore<\/p>\n<p><\/a>, PM Wong said there has been good momentum in the energy partnership between the two countries.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He said that Singapore and Malaysia are planning to expand the capacity for cross-border electricity trade through a second electricity interconnector. It was previously reported that the interconnection is targeted to start operations by 2030.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"landscape inline-media-wrapper\" data-testid=\"inline-media-test-id\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-start relative w-fit\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/97daa8c3e60eab017e8d68c00864096585bdf27e4c84e770269dc4318276e908?w=480\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 720px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/97daa8c3e60eab017e8d68c00864096585bdf27e4c84e770269dc4318276e908?w=720\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 721px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/97daa8c3e60eab017e8d68c00864096585bdf27e4c84e770269dc4318276e908?w=900\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/97daa8c3e60eab017e8d68c00864096585bdf27e4c84e770269dc4318276e908\" alt=\"\" class=\"aspect-landscape flex items-start shrink-0 object-cover landscape article-landscape mobile:w-auto tablet:w-auto\" data-testid=\"image-test-id\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div><figcaption class=\"mobile:mx-16 tablet:mx-00 flex flex-col gap-08 py-16 desktop:pb-24\">\n<p class=\"font-eyebrow-baseline-regular text-secondary\" data-testid=\"inline-media-caption-test-id\">Prime Minister Lawrence Wong speaking during the 12th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders\u2019 Retreat held at the Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore hotel on Dec 4.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-eyebrow-baseline-regular text-placeholder\" data-testid=\"inline-media-credit-test-id\">PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The first interconnection between the two countries was established in 1983 with the primary purpose of supporting both countries\u2019 power grids.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">PM Wong said that Singapore-based companies have committed over $5.5 billion in investments in the JS-SEZ since January 2024.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He said that both countries welcome the ratification of the JS-SEZ agreement, which was <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/spore-msia-sign-agreement-on-johor-singapore-special-economic-zone-20000-jobs-to-be-created?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">signed in January 2025<\/p>\n<p><\/a>. \u201cThere is tremendous potential for this to grow further. We have only just begun.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Under the wide-ranging agreement, both countries have committed to promoting and facilitating investments in 11 economic sectors from Singapore and other countries into the zone. <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">These sectors are manufacturing, logistics, food security, tourism, energy, the digital economy, the green economy, financial services, business services, education and health.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The two countries are continuing to discuss three outstanding and longstanding bilateral issues \u2013 airspace, water and maritime boundaries.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">PM Wong said that the three issues are complex and there are differences in views, but both sides will continue engaging in good faith.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cWe look forward to working with Malaysia to achieve positive and durable outcomes with a balance of benefits for both sides,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He announced that a joint study on optimising air traffic management between the two countries will be carried out. <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Talks on air traffic arrangement are aimed at meeting the current and future needs of both countries.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Discussions are centred on how the airports in the two countries \u2013 in Kuala Lumpur, Senai, Changi and Seletar \u2013 can operate safely and efficiently, in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation requirements.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">In a joint statement, both leaders said they encouraged continued discussions on the way forward regarding raw and treated water prices through an existing joint technical committee, \u201cwithout prejudice to each other\u2019s respective long-declared positions on the right to review the prices\u201d under the 1962 Water Agreement.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Singapore and Malaysia also have a shared interest in increasing the yield and safeguarding the water quality of the Johor River, said PM Wong.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He noted that this will help guard against extreme weather changes or disruption scenarios, meet Johor\u2019s growing needs, and meet Singapore\u2019s needs as provided for under the 1962 Water Agreement.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He said that with the increase in demand for water and the potential for scenarios of disruption, officials from Malaysia and Singapore have been meeting to see if there are possibilities for collaboration, especially to create new infrastructure that will strengthen the resilience of the water supply.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">PM Wong said officials on both sides have had several rounds of discussions on maritime boundaries.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The contested boundaries are in both the east and west of the border between the two countries.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Both sides better understand each other\u2019s position, but require more time to resolve differences, he said.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"[FULL] PM Wong and Malaysian PM Anwar hold press conference at Singapore-Malaysia Leaders\u2019 Retreat\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8UP29Tgv8QU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/new-sabah-sarawak-consulates-among-outcomes-from-the-singapore-malaysia-leaders-retreat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read Full Article At Source <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SINGAPORE \u2013 The Republic will open new consulates in Sabah and Sarawak, and also signed a new agreement with Malaysia confirming that commuters need to&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1864,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2611],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16896","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buzz-headlines","wpcat-2611-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16896","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=16896"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16896\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=16896"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=16896"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=16896"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}