Putting the rapid in RTS Link: Commuters can clear immigration in seconds, claims project director
JOHOR BARU: Commuters using the upcoming Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, set to begin operating early next year, will be able to clear immigration in a matter of seconds. RTS Link project director Zulkifli Mohamed said commuters would first go through body scanners before proceeding to the e-gate to clear immigration at the Bukit Chagar integrated immigration, customs and qu
Source: The Star Malaysia · August 17, 2026 at 4:01 PM · AI-assisted report
JOHOR, 18 AUGUST 2026 —
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PUTRAJAYA, Aug 17 — Commuters using Malaysia’s upcoming Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link will clear immigration in seconds, the project director said, as the 4km shuttle service prepares for its January 2027 launch.
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Zulkifli Mohamed, RTS Link project director, said travellers would first pass through body scanners before proceeding to one of 100 e-gate lanes at the Bukit Chagar integrated immigration, customs and quarantine (ICQ) complex in Johor Baru. The e-gates will support immigration clearance via QR code or passport, enabling rapid processing.
“Body scanners will detect prohibited items as commuters walk through,” Zulkifli told reporters during a media briefing at the ICQ complex on Monday. “If suspicious elements are detected, operators will guide travellers to a secondary counter for checks without disrupting the main flow.”
The ICQ complex, which spans 12.6 hectares, also includes 10 security screening lanes, 18 baggage scanners, and dedicated lanes for passengers without luggage. Additional facilities such as a nursing room, surau, and self-service ticket kiosks are provided to enhance convenience.
Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke is scheduled to inspect the facility on Tuesday to assess progress ahead of the scheduled Jan 1, 2027, operations date.
Once operational, the RTS Link will connect Bukit Chagar in Johor Baru to Woodlands North in Singapore, replacing the current Causeway crossing for rail commuters. The system is designed to handle 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, with a projected daily ridership of 40,000.
The 4km shuttle service is expected to fundamentally transform cross-border travel for the 350,000 daily users of the Causeway, one of the world’s busiest border crossings. The project is a key component of bilateral efforts to modernise transit between the two countries and reduce congestion.
Malaysia’s Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) and Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) are jointly developing the system under a bilateral agreement signed in 2016. Construction began in 2021, with delays attributed to technical and logistical challenges.
The RTS Link is part of a broader push to enhance connectivity in the Iskandar Malaysia economic region, which has seen steady growth in cross-border traffic. Analysts say the system could boost economic integration by improving mobility for workers, students, and businesses operating across the border.
Sector analysts note that the RTS Link’s speed and efficiency may encourage more commuters to switch from road to rail, potentially easing traffic congestion on the Causeway. The project also aligns with Malaysia’s National Transport Policy 2023-2030, which prioritises high-capacity public transport solutions.
While the system is expected to reduce border crossing times significantly, concerns remain about integration with existing public transport networks in both countries. Details on fare structures, ticketing partnerships, and last-mile connectivity have not yet been finalised.
The RTS Link’s operational readiness will be closely watched as the January 2027 launch approaches, with stakeholders emphasising the need for seamless coordination between Malaysian and Singaporean authorities to ensure a smooth transition.
Related: Johor