Prior to the service’s launch on 31st December 2026, the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) will place officers from its Anti-Drugs Border Unit (UAS) at the two Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link entrance points.
The two locations are the Woodlands North Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in Singapore and the Bukit Chagar Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Johor, according to AADK Director-General Datuk Ruslin Jusoh.
He said that the issue was one of the topics covered at a bilateral meeting in the capital between AADK and Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB).
“The opening of the RTS Link service is set to significantly increase cross-border movement, thereby requiring strong coordination and preparedness among the enforcement agencies of both countries to ensure a safe environment free from the threat of drugs.
“This discussion provided an important platform for AADK and CNB to detail operational arrangements and mechanisms for coordinating officers, as well as rapid communication channels at the main entry points, namely ICQS Bukit Chagar in Johor and CIQ Woodlands North in Singapore,” he said in a statement.
The goal of the conference, which Ruslin co-chaired with CNB Deputy Director (Operations) Aaron Tang, was to improve strategic and operational cooperation, especially in addressing border security issues prior to the RTS Link’s operation.
The use of technology and online platforms, the introduction of novel psychoactive substances (NPS), and the most recent methods of drug smuggling were among the new trends in more complicated cross-border drug threats that the two agencies examined.
According to him, the effectiveness of the bilateral cooperation was assessed not only by formal talks but also by tangible and useful follow-up actions carried out by both sides’ operational teams.
“AADK remains committed to strengthening good relations in joint enforcement efforts with regional agencies to safeguard the well-being of the community and national security from the threats of drug abuse and trafficking,” he said.
