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RTS Link to be nation's busiest gateway; 90pct complete ahead of Jan 1 launch The Johor Baru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is set to become Malaysia’s busiest land entry point, with operations focused on high-tech security and efficiency ahead of its Dec 31 launch. BERNAMA PIC JOHOR BARU: The Johor Baru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is set to become Malaysia's busiest land entry point, with operations focused on high-tech security and efficiency ahead of its Jan 1 launch next year. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the 4km rail link is expected to handle up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, with a travel time of just six minutes. "Security, immigration control, threat detection, and operational efficiency must be at the highest level from day one. There will be no compromise," he said after inspecting the Bukit Chagar Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) Complex today. As of April 30, the project is 90 per cent complete. The government is now intensifying preparations for security, communications, and manpower. Key security installations include 18 baggage scanners, 22 body scanners, and 10 walkthrough scanners using millimetre wave technology. These are integrated with Auto Threat Detection systems to allow for precise screening without disrupting passenger flow. Saifuddin said the system would strike a balance between seamless movement and stringent enforcement, with all passenger movements recorded, analysed and monitored in real time to prevent smuggling, illegal entry and other cross-border crimes. On immigration, the RTS Link will deploy 220 e-gates, shifting away from manual passport checks. These will be integrated with the new MyNIISe system, which replaces the legacy MyIMMs platform. System testing is scheduled for June. Saifuddin acknowledged that while system transitions may face minor glitches, mitigation measures are in place. "There is no such thing as a perfect system during transition. What matters is our commitment to minimise disruptions and ensure the new system becomes a game changer in addressing congestion," he said. On manpower, a total of 794 personnel positions have been approved, including 640 under the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA), 47 from Customs, and 107 police officers. A batch of 478 recruits will begin training in Segamat on June 22. The RTS Link features a co-located checkpoint model, allowing Malaysian and Singaporean officers to operate within shared facilities. Saifuddin noted that enabling laws on the Malaysian side are currently being gazetted, while Singapore is in the process of enacting its own legislation. He said ongoing bilateral technical discussions are focused on harmonising standard operating procedures to ensure smooth, secure and coordinated cross-border operations. "The level of coordination, discipline and trust between both countries is at its best. This is not just about infrastructure, but about legal and regulatory alignment," he said. Separately, Saifuddin clarified that while possessing a MyKad remains compulsory for Malaysians aged 12 and above, there is no requirement for immediate replacement when the upgraded version is introduced on June 1.
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