JOHOR BARU: Malaysia and Singapore have completed a joint cross-border emergency response exercise to prepare for the opening of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Singapore Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Sim Ann reaffirmed both governments' commitment to safeguarding the security and resilience of the link, which connects Johor Baru and Singapore by rail.
Saifuddin Nasution said the joint field training exercise, held on Tuesday (Oct 27), was quite important before the RTS Link operates officially in February 2027 to handle various challenges and test out cross-border standard operating procedures developed by both countries.
"This exercise reflects the close relationship between Malaysia and Singapore in strengthening bilateral cooperation and improving our readiness in facing crisis and emergency situations along the RTS Link alignment," he said at the closing ceremony to mark the completion of the joint exercise here on Wednesday (Oct 28).
Meanwhile, Sim said three outcomes came from the joint exercise namely communications between both sides, deployment of emergency personnel as well as the command and control.
"These outcomes demonstrated effective response and showed a clear understanding of their roles even in a fast-moving emergency situation," she said.
The exercise tested the operational readiness and inter-agency coordination and interoperability of both countries in ensuring timely and effective joint management of a complex emergency scenario that might occur on the RTS Link train and tracks.
This included the undertaking of joint firefighting operations, medical triage and casualty evacuation, as well as coordinated cross-border emergency response.
RTS Link has the capacity to serve up to 10,000 passengers per hour per direction.
It is slated to begin operations in February 2027 after the initial date of Jan 1 was pushed back by a month to ensure it operates smoothly.
