Johor bahru: The Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) is committed to prioritizing security, immigration control, threat detection, and operational efficiency for the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which is poised to become the busiest land route in Malaysia upon its launch in January next year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail emphasized that these critical aspects will be maintained at the highest level of readiness. The RTS Link is set to be equipped with advanced security control systems to enhance the detection of potential threats at the country's entry points, ensuring a smooth operation.
During a press conference held at the Johor Bahru Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex at the Sultan Iskandar Building and Bukit Chagar Station, Saifuddin stressed the importance of security checks and the Ministry's zero-tolerance policy towards any attempts to bypass these checks. He noted the RTS Link's extensive network, which includes over 120 entry points by land, water, and sea.
The Minister highlighted that the RTS Link will feature 18 baggage scanners, 22 body scanners, and 10 walkthrough scanners utilizing millimeter wave technology, all currently being installed and tested. These scanners are equipped with an Auto Threat Detection system, facilitating a swift and accurate inspection process without disrupting passenger flow.
Furthermore, Saifuddin stated that 794 employment warrants have been approved to ensure the readiness of the human resources required for the operation of the transit system. This includes 640 positions with the AKPS, 107 with the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), and 47 with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM). Recruitment is underway in stages to prevent human resource constraints once operations commence.
He added that 478 newly recruited officers will undergo operational training at the Police Training Centre (PULAPOL) Segamat from June 22 to September 27. Subsequently, they will be stationed at the Sultan Iskandar Building and the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex near Iskandar Puteri starting October 1, prior to the full operation of the transit system.
The Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link, expected to be fully operational by January next year, will connect Bukit Chagar Station in Johor Bahru to Woodlands North Station in Singapore, providing a swift five-minute travel time between the two locations.