Kuala lumpur: The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link Bill 2026 has been confirmed to require no amendments to the Federal Constitution for the enforcement of extraterritorial laws. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah clarified that the authority to enact the law is already established under Article 73 and Item 1(g) of the Federal List in the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shamsul Anuar emphasized during the Dewan Negara debate that there is no necessity to amend the Constitution to facilitate legal cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore in the RTS project. This clarification was made during the winding up of the debate on the bill, which was discussed by eight senators and subsequently passed by a majority voice vote.
Shamsul Anuar further elaborated that the powers granted to Singapore enforcement officers at the Bukit Chagar station are restricted to Customs, Immigration, and security functions within designated zones, ensuring the preservation of Malaysia's sovereignty. He assured that immunity for these officers is confined to 'functional immunity' and any personal crimes would subject them to Malaysian law. Furthermore, he noted the principle of reciprocity, where individuals detained by Singapore officers will be handed over to Malaysian authorities for further action.
The Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link Bill 2026, structured into eight parts with 28 clauses and one schedule, aims to fortify the legal framework for cross-border transport operations. The RTS system will implement a single clearance concept at one location, reducing commuter travel time to just five minutes.
In related legislative activity, the Dewan Negara also passed the International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation Bill 2025. This bill supports the ratification of the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation, also known as the Singapore Convention, which Malaysia signed in 2019. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran highlighted the bill's significance in strengthening alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, bolstering investor and business confidence, and enhancing Malaysia's image as a preferred regional dispute resolution hub in Asia.
The Dewan Negara will reconvene on Monday to continue its sessions.