Johor bahru: The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link Bill 2026 was tabled for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today. The bill was presented by Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, who announced that the second and third readings would occur during the current parliamentary session.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the bill aims to fulfill Malaysia's commitments under an agreement with the Singapore Government regarding the joint execution of Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) clearance, along with security operations. The provisions of the bill will be effective for the entire duration of the agreement, specifically at designated locations such as Bukit Chagar Station in Johor Bahru and Woodlands North Station in Singapore.

The bill specifies that enforcement officers from both Malaysia and Singapore will be responsible for official duties at these stations. Clause 11(1) of the bill empowers Singapore enforcement officers at Bukit Chagar Station to request travel documents, conduct body searches with consent, and arrest or detain individuals suspected of violating Singapore laws related to CIQ and security tasks.

For operations at Woodlands North Station, Malaysian enforcement officers are granted the same powers as Singapore officers as per the bill's provision. Additionally, the bill outlines the management protocols for cross-border incidents, including fire, rescue, medical emergencies, and public safety issues.

Clause 14(1) of the bill clarifies that the jurisdiction for managing incidents on a train in transit is determined by the territory where the train journey concludes.