Singapore-Malaysia ink new RTS deal, deepen drug and healthcare cooperation

SINGAPORE: Prime Ministers Lawrence Wong and Anwar Ibrahim on Dec 4 exchanged agreements strengthening bilateral ties during the 12th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat.

RTS deal

A key deal advances the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link by facilitating co-located Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) facilities and paving the way for full operations by end-2026. Both leaders also committed to intensified joint anti-drug exercises and enhanced healthcare collaboration.

Malaysia formally agreed to Singapore establishing consulates in Sabah and Sarawak, while officials are improving cross-border taxi services. PM Wong hailed “good progress” on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and described bilateral relations as having “tremendous potential”.

On legacy issues — airspace, water and maritime boundaries — both sides acknowledged complexity but pledged continued good-faith engagement.

Business News