Malaysia Tables RTS Link Bill 2026 to Enable Joint CIQ at JB–Singapore Stations

Photo: CNA. Malaysia has tabled the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link Bill 2026, a key piece of legislation that will allow joint customs, immigration and security operations between the two countries once the cross-border rail line begins service.

The Bill was presented for its second reading in the Dewan Rakyat and is expected to be debated this week.

The proposed law sets the legal groundwork for co-located Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) operations at Bukit Chagar Station in Johor Bahru and Woodlands North Station in Singapore.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the legislation is necessary to fulfil Malaysia’s commitments under bilateral agreements signed with Singapore.
More importantly, the Bill ensures clear enforcement powers for officers from both countries, defines criminal jurisdiction for cross-border incidents, legal protection for enforcement personnel while safeguarding Malaysia’s sovereignty.

The government stressed that any authority granted to Singaporean officers operating in Malaysia will only take effect if Singapore provides equal and reciprocal protection to Malaysian officers under its own laws.

Under the proposed framework, Malaysian enforcement officers will be stationed at Woodlands North Station in Singapore, while Singapore enforcement officers will operate at Bukit Chagar Station in Johor Bahru.

Officers will carry out official duties within clearly designated station areas. It also clarifies which country’s laws apply when officers perform their functions. To coordinate operations smoothly, Malaysia will appoint an intermediary entity to manage and facilitate officer deployment at both stations.

One of the most significant parts of the Bill deals with cross-border incident management. The law outlines procedures for managing crimes committed on RTS trains in transit, offences on railway tracks and crossings and emergencies within designated station areas

Both governments will be required to notify each other promptly in the event of an incident and provide updates as necessary. In serious situations, such as public security threats, major disruptions or emergencies, designated officers may be allowed to enter the other country’s territory under clearly defined conditions.

Malaysian courts will have the power to try offences under Malaysian law covered by the Act, including certain offences deemed to have been committed outside Malaysia but falling within its scope. To ensure operational clarity, the proposed law grants legal protection to enforcement and incident management officers from both countries for actions carried out during official duties.

Singaporean officers operating in Malaysia will be recognised as public servants under Malaysian law. Any offence committed against them will be treated as an offence against a Malaysian public servant. The legislation also safeguards official documents, data and equipment used by officers, and requires both governments to facilitate permits and approvals for goods used in official operations.

Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to finalise their respective domestic laws governing RTS operations by June 30, with full enforcement targeted by Sept 30. The timeline was agreed under a supplementary agreement finalised during the 12th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat in December.

The Act will remain in force for as long as the bilateral RTS agreements between both countries are active. The Minister will also be empowered to introduce additional regulations to ensure smooth implementation. Debate on the Bill begins Feb 12 in the Dewan Rakyat.