RTS Link : KDN To Ensure Priority In Security, Detection Of Threats, And Efficiency Of Operation -- Saifuddin Nasution

JOHOR BAHRU, May 8 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) will ensure that security, immigration control, threat detection and operational efficiency are priorities, so that the operation of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which is set to become the busiest land route in the country, runs smoothly.

Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said all these elements will be ensured to be at the highest level of readiness ahead of its operation in January next year.

He said the RTS Link will be equipped with security control facilities, thus helping to increase the ability to detect any form of potential threat at the country's entry points.

“The technology we will use promises smooth passenger flow, but the Ministry of Home Affairs does not compromise on its responsibility to check security aspects

“There is no tolerance for attempts to avoid checks and there will be no room at all for any party who intends to abuse the system,” he said, adding that there are more than 120 entry points involving land, water and sea.

He said this at a press conference after his visit to the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) and Bukit Chagar Station to inspect the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link project, here today.

Also present was AKPS director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain.

Saifuddin Nasution said the RTS Link security control facility, among others, is equipped with 18 units of baggage scanners, 22 units of body scanners and 10 units of walkthrough scanners using millimeter wave technology which are currently being installed and tested.

The scanner machine is also equipped with an Auto Threat Detection system which allows the inspection process to be carried out quickly, accurately and without affecting the smooth flow of passengers.

Meanwhile, he said 794 warrants for employment to ensure human resource readiness following the operation of the transit system have been approved with AKPS being the largest component, covering 640 positions, followed by 107 positions from the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and 47 from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM).

"Now the recruitment process is being carried out in stages so that when operations begin, we will not face human resource constraints," he said

According to him, 478 newly appointed officers will begin undergoing operational training at the Police Training Centre (PULAPOL) Segamat from June 22 to September 27.

After that, he said they will first be placed at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) here and the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) near Iskandar Puteri on October 1, before the transit system is fully operational.

The Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link, which is expected to be fully operational in January next year, connects Bukit Chagar Station in Johor Bahru to Woodlands North Station in Singapore with a travel time of just five minutes.

--BERNAMA