JOHOR BAHRU, May 8, 2026 — Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail personally inspected the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project at Bukit Chagar today to assess the readiness of national border control facilities ahead of its full operation scheduled for 31 December 2026.
Speaking at a media briefing after the site visit, the minister described the RTS Link — which will connect Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru to Woodlands North in Singapore — as a strategic national project featuring a 4-kilometre rail network. Once fully operational, the system is designed to carry 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, with a travel time of just six minutes.
“The RTS Link will undoubtedly become the busiest land entry point in the country,” he said.
He stressed that security, immigration control, threat detection and operational efficiency are the top priorities of the Home Affairs Ministry (KDN) from the very first day of operations.
According to a briefing received on 30 April 2026, the physical progress of the RTS Link project has reached approximately 90 per cent. However, Saifuddin emphasised that the government is not focusing solely on physical infrastructure but also on the overall operational readiness, including security, technology, communications and human resources.
Advanced Security Technology Being Installed
The minister announced that border security facilities will be equipped with 18 baggage scanners, 22 body scanners and 10 millimetre-wave walkthrough scanners, which are currently being installed and tested.
All scanners will feature Auto Threat Detection systems to enable fast, accurate and targeted screening without disrupting passenger flow.
In addition, 220 e-gates have been fully installed. Integration with the new immigration system MyNIISe (replacing the old MyIMMs) is scheduled to begin in mid-June.
Human Resources and Training
Saifuddin also revealed that 794 new positions have been approved — 640 for the Border Control Agency (AKPS), 47 for Customs and 107 for Police. Recruitment is being carried out in stages.
“478 newly appointed officers will begin training at PULAPOL Segamat from 22 June to 27 September before being posted to Bangunan Sultan Iskandar and Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar starting 1 October,” he said.
Malaysia-Singapore Co-Located Concept
He highlighted the unique co-located arrangement between Malaysia and Singapore, under which enforcement agencies from both countries will operate from the same facilities on both sides of the border.
“Cooperation between the two countries is excellent. Malaysia has already passed the necessary domestic legislation last year and the gazetting process is underway. Singapore is also implementing its own domestic law,” he added.
Technical negotiations to refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are ongoing.
Real-Time Passenger Movement Monitoring
Saifuddin emphasised that every passenger movement at the RTS Link will be recorded, analysed and monitored in real time using advanced technology to combat threats such as human trafficking, people smuggling, illegal immigrants and other unlawful activities.
“All users of the facility — including Singaporean citizens — will be recorded,” he stressed.
Addressing System Issues and MyKad
Responding to questions about past glitches in the MyNIISe system, the minister acknowledged that the transition phase may cause some disruptions. However, KDN has instructed vendors to adopt a “pre-mortem” approach — identifying potential problems and preparing mitigation plans in advance rather than conducting post-mortems after issues arise.
On the new MyKad to be introduced from 1 June, Saifuddin clarified there is no immediate mandatory requirement for Malaysians to replace their existing cards.
“The law only requires every Malaysian aged 12 and above to possess a MyKad. There is no directive for everyone to change their cards simultaneously. Please do not rush to the National Registration Department (JPN) starting 1 June,” he said.
The minister reaffirmed KDN’s commitment: zero tolerance for any violation of the law and no compromise on attempts to evade inspection.
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