SINGAPORE (Bernama): Singapore has introduced the Cross-Border Railways (Border Control Co-Location) Bill to support the operationalisation of the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link).
Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong tabled the bill in parliament on Tuesday.
In a statement, the Home Affairs Ministry said the bill will enable Malaysia’s Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) operations in Singapore, as well as Singapore’s CIQ operations in Malaysia.
The bill includes provisions to demarcate designated areas (DAs) in Singapore to serve as Malaysia’s CIQ zone, where Malaysian border laws will apply, and Malaysian officers can perform border clearance and railway security checks on travellers and goods bound for Malaysia.
"For the RTS Link, the DA will be at Woodlands North station, and notices will be prominently displayed at the perimeter of these areas to inform the public.
"Singapore’s laws will continue to apply in the DAs, and only Malaysian preclearance officers recognised by Singapore can conduct official duties within the DAs in Singapore," it said.
Under the bill, Malaysian officers will be allowed to exercise specific powers to perform CIQ operations, which include checking of travel documents, screening of travellers, and refusing entry or importation of goods bound for Malaysia.
In addition, Malaysian officers will also have certain protections and immunities when performing official duties in Singapore.
In February 2026, Malaysian Parliament passed the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link Bill 2026 to strengthen the legal framework for cross-border transport operations between the two countries.
According to MHA, the powers and protections under the new bill are granted on a reciprocal basis, with Singaporean officers performing official duties at Bukit Chagar station enjoying equivalent powers and protections in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, the ministry noted that the bill also provides for the coordination of security and safety operations between Singapore and Malaysia, including how both countries respond to incidents occurring in transit
"Singapore and Malaysia authorities have also worked closely on a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for incident management.
"Both countries will hold concurrent criminal jurisdiction for incidents on trains in transit and on the railway tracks between the two countries,” it added.
-- Bernama
