RTS Link exercises test fire, triage and cross-border response

Singapore and Malaysia have tested joint firefighting, medical triage, casualty evacuation and cross-border emergency response for the RTS Link. The drill took place at the Wadi Hana depot in Johor Bahru in October. A joint statement by Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Malaysia’s National Security Council (MKN) said so. These RTS Link exercises come ahead of the February 2027 opening.

A second drill followed on 11 and 12 November at Woodlands North station. Singapore police said over 600 staff took part in Exercise Quicksilver 12. They gave the update on 14 November.

Here is what each drill covered, which agencies took part and what is still to come. However, neither statement listed the Malaysian agencies involved.

RTS Link exercises at the Wadi Hana depot in October

Earlier in October, security, border and civil defence agencies from both countries held a joint field drill. Notably, it was held at the Wadi Hana RTS Link depot. However, the statement gave no exact date.

Specifically, the drill covered four areas. They were joint firefighting, medical triage, casualty evacuation and cross-border emergency response. Each task needs both countries to act together.

Moreover, the two governments said the line can serve up to 10,000 passengers an hour in each direction. They said keeping riders safe is a shared goal. Therefore, they train together.

Meanwhile, the statement did not say how many people took part. Likewise, it did not name the Malaysian agencies. Nor did it give any results.

How RTS Link exercises tested Woodlands North station

Exercise Quicksilver 12 aimed to check readiness, response and teamwork between agencies. It focused on security threats at the station. Police said it also tested how fast teams decide and move. It was held ahead of the line’s opening.

Specifically, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) took part. So did the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). Likewise, the Land Transport Authority (LTA), Certis Cisco and SMRT joined. Together, they faced a series of mock incidents.

Read more: RTS Link to Singapore starts Feb 2027, fares due by year-end

Read more: Singapore border changes on 1 Jan 2027 hit drivers and taxis

Read more: More JB-Singapore cross-border taxis from 16 November

In one scenario, SPF officers answered a mock hostage situation. In addition, they checked suspicious luggage and patrolled the station. After talks with ICA officers, an arrest ended the mock emergency.

Finally, the SCDF put out a burning vehicle with a water jet. Police said such drills show a shared duty to keep transport sites safe. They will keep working with other agencies.

What the RTS Link exercises mean before February 2027

The RTS Link joins Woodlands North in Singapore to Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru. A ride takes about five minutes. Each train can carry more than 600 passengers. As a result, crowd safety plans are a key part of the launch.

Importantly, the line is due to open in February 2027. A joint statement by the RTS Operations company, Singapore’s LTA and Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport said so on 2 October.

Furthermore, a Johor official said the state plans a dry run in December. It will test how people move. In addition, it will test how buses link up. However, the official’s name and the date were not given.

Meanwhile, Singapore border changes on 1 January 2027 also affect travellers. In short, the RTS Link exercises tested fire, triage and security from both sides. Watch for the December dry run.

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