The bill strengthens the legal framework for the cross-border rail link, ensuring data sovereignty and faster travel with AI-enabled clearance gates.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat has passed the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link Bill 2026. The legislation aims to strengthen the legal framework governing cross-border transport operations between Malaysia and Singapore.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the bill is built on three main pillars. These are strengthening the legal framework, complementing existing laws, and safeguarding national sovereignty and security.

He stated the system will implement a single clearance concept at one location. This is expected to drastically reduce public travel time between the two points to just five minutes.

The government will also provide 100 Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled e-gates. Shamsul Anuar said this will ensure passenger clearance time at the involved stations does not exceed seven seconds.

He gave assurances on data sovereignty during the debate winding-up. All confidential information, including biometrics, will be stored in a data centre fully regulated by the Malaysian government.

Singaporean authorities will have no access to this data centre. The bill’s implementation also guarantees legal immunity for Malaysian enforcement officers on duty in Singapore.

These officers cannot be charged in Singaporean courts for actions taken during their official duties. Shamsul Anuar explained this reciprocal principle requires Singapore to amend its domestic laws.

Singapore must provide equivalent protection to Malaysian officers before the bill comes into full force. The legislation is scheduled to take effect on September 30 this year.

The bill was passed by a majority voice vote after being debated by 12 Members of Parliament. The Dewan Rakyat sitting will resume on February 23.

 The Sun Malaysia