SINGAPORE — Singapore and Malaysia pledged to intensify cooperation and continue dialogue on longstanding bilateral issues during the 12th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat held on December 4 at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore. The meeting, attended by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, emphasized forward-looking collaboration rooted in mutual respect, goodwill, and a constructive spirit.
The two countries formalized an additional agreement related to the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, aiming to enhance cross-border connectivity. They also committed to bolstering joint efforts against illicit drug trafficking and expanding healthcare collaboration through exchanges on digital health, policy and research.
The leaders openly addressed three sensitive bilateral matters, water supply, airspace, and maritime boundaries. While progress in understanding each other’s perspectives has been made, both sides acknowledged these issues’ complexity and the necessity of continued good-faith negotiations. PM Wong highlighted ongoing discussions through a joint technical committee, particularly on water pricing under the 1962 Water Agreement. Both countries are focused on sustainable water resource management, infrastructure investment, and safeguarding supply resilience amid climate challenges.
Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the absence of hostility despite differences, expressing confidence in resolving airspace and maritime concerns beneficially for both nations. The joint statement reaffirmed adherence to international law principles and a shared commitment to maintaining a constructive relationship without letting bilateral challenges hinder broader cooperation.
In combatting drug trafficking, Singapore and Malaysia agreed on enhanced intelligence sharing and cooperation, though discussions on Singapore’s capital punishment policy for drug offenses were not part of the talks. Both leaders underscored the importance of respecting due legal process while maintaining a firm stance against drugs.
Healthcare collaboration will focus on knowledge sharing, expert exchanges, and joint initiatives spanning health financing, public health, and healthy aging. Further agreements under negotiation include mutual halal certification recognition and youth and sports cooperation.
Progress on major infrastructure and economic projects was also highlighted. The long-delayed RTS Link, a 4-km light rail connecting Woodlands, Singapore, and Bukit Chagar station in Johor, is set for completion by end-2026. The new deal facilitates co-located customs, immigration, and quarantine processes to streamline cross-border travel. Both sides are also exploring improved transport connectivity and enhancements to the cross-border taxi scheme.
The leaders commemorated 60 years of diplomatic relations with a symbolic cutting of a red velvet cake and reiterated their strong personal and professional rapport. PM Wong praised Anwar’s leadership of ASEAN in 2025, while Anwar expressed optimism about the unique and evolving partnership.
The two have met five times in 2025 as Singapore and Malaysia also serve as their countries’ finance ministers, reflecting the depth and multidimensional nature of their collaboration.
“Our countries should be role models for the rest of the world on how good neighbours should work together,” PM Wong said, committing to sustain and strengthen ties for mutual prosperity and citizen well-being.