Malaysia's border agency intensifies RTS Link security preparations with 400 trainees and AI learning phase underway
Two months of dry runs will be carried out before the RTS Link opens to the public.
The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) is ramping up security preparations for the upcoming January 2027 launch of the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link rail terminal, according to a report by New Straits Times (NST) and Bernama. Director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain emphasized that while technology is a crucial tool, it is not the sole solution to security threats, stating that a combination of technology and training is essential to address potential risks at entry points.
400 MCBA trainees are currently undergoing a three-month training program at the Segamat Police Training Centre, with completion targeted for the end of September. These officers will then be deployed to the RTS Link facility starting in October, followed by two months of dry runs to ensure full operational readiness ahead of the January 2027 opening.
Shuhaily stated that newly trained personnel will initially work alongside senior officers at the Sultan Iskandar Building to gain hands-on experience in document and goods inspection prior to public access.
Regarding the use of artificial intelligence for detecting and preventing the smuggling of illicit goods, Shuhaily clarified that while AI technology is advancing, it is still in the learning phase through machine learning, indicating that its maturity is yet to be fully achieved. MCBA also plans to provide guidance to RTS Link operators on suitable technologies to bolster security and mitigate potential risks as the facility approaches its launch date.
The significance of this security enhancement for Singapore lies in the RTS Link's expected capacity to transport thousands of passengers per hour in both directions between Johor Bahru and Woodlands North, with the goal of drastically reducing the transit time from a multi-hour Causeway crossing to just a few minutes. Malaysia's strategic investment in training 400 dedicated MCBA officers and conducting dry runs through November and December highlights the importance of robust border security for the seamless operation of the RTS Link from the outset.
Written by urgent.news from The Independent Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
