Malaysia and Singapore test cross-border emergency response for RTS Link

The joint exercise tested how agencies from both countries would coordinate firefighting, medical triage, and casualty evacuation during an emergency involving the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link.

Malaysia and Singapore have conducted a joint emergency response exercise for the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, testing the readiness of both countries' agencies to manage incidents involving the cross-border rail service.

The field training exercise (FTX) took place on 27 October 2026, followed by a joint closing ceremony on 28 October at the RTS Wadi Hana Depot in Johor Bahru. The ceremony was co-officiated by Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail, Minister of Home Affairs Malaysia and Her Excellency Sim Ann, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Second Minister of Home Affairs Singapore.

Testing cross-border emergency response

The RTS Link is expected to strengthen connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore, supporting cross-border mobility as well as closer economic, social and people-to-people ties. With the system designed to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, both governments have identified the safety and security of passengers, infrastructure and operations as a shared priority.

The exercise tested the operational readiness of agencies from both countries, including their ability to coordinate and manage a complex emergency involving the RTS Link's trains and tracks. Scenarios covered joint firefighting operations, medical triage, casualty evacuation and coordinated cross-border emergency response.

Agencies from both countries take part

The exercise involved several Malaysian government agencies and strategic partners, including the Johor State Government, alongside Singaporean government agencies.

Participating agencies included:

Malaysia

1. Royal Malaysia Police (RMP)
2. Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS)
3. Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM)
4. Ministry of Health (MOH)
5. Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF)

Singapore

1. Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
2. Singapore Police Force (SPF)
3. Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)

The two governments also acknowledged the Johor State Government's support in facilitating the exercise.

Preparing for the RTS Link's operations

Both countries have enacted and brought into force the necessary domestic legislation for the RTS Link's operations, including provisions covering the management of cross-border incidents. The latest exercise forms part of ongoing preparations to strengthen the system's security and resilience ahead of the commencement of passenger services.

As the RTS Link brings Malaysia and Singapore closer through more direct rail connectivity, the ability of their emergency services to respond together will remain an important part of ensuring safe and reliable cross-border travel. 

ALSO READ: New Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link Bill 2026 sets legal safeguards for officers, data, and cross-border operations