Singapore and Malaysia should take pride in how far they’ve come over the past 60 years, both as neighbours and regional partners, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Thursday (Dec 4) during a joint press conference with his Malaysian counterpart, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking at the 12th Singapore–Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat held at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, Mr Wong highlighted the strong working relationship he shares with Mr Anwar, describing their discussions as “candid, constructive and focused on progress for both our peoples”.
He announced that Malaysia has formally agreed to Singapore’s proposal to establish consulates in Sabah and Sarawak — a move described as an important step forward in bilateral engagement.
During the retreat, both countries exchanged two MOUs on health cooperation and combating drug trafficking, and also signed a supplementary agreement on the Johor–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link.
Despite the progress, Mr Wong acknowledged that longstanding bilateral issues remain, including airspace arrangements, water matters and maritime boundary delimitation. With air traffic rising across the region, both sides will need to refine arrangements that allow airports to operate safely and efficiently.
On water, Mr Wong stressed the shared interest in protecting the Johor River’s quality and resilience, especially in the face of climate change and extreme weather. Singapore and Malaysia have also opened discussions on the price of raw and untreated water, while maintaining their respective legal positions under the 1962 Water Agreement.
For maritime boundaries, officials have taken part in several rounds of talks and now have a better understanding of each country’s stance, though more time will be needed to reach a final resolution.
“These are complex problems with differing views,” Mr Wong said. “But as good neighbours, we will keep engaging in good faith.”
He added that he appreciates having in Mr Anwar “a partner committed to ensuring our relationship continues to flourish”.
Both leaders also highlighted strong recent progress across key sectors.
Mr Wong pointed to significant momentum in the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ), noting that Singapore-based firms have already committed over S$5.5 billion in investments since January 2024 — with “much more potential ahead”.
Transport connectivity is improving as well. The updated RTS agreement will support preparations for co-located immigration facilities, while both sides are exploring enhancements to the cross-border taxi scheme. QR customs clearance and automated lanes have already helped reduce congestion at the borders.
Energy cooperation is intensifying too. Singapore’s Energy Market Authority has granted conditional approval for low-carbon electricity imports from Sarawak, with plans underway for a second electricity interconnector to support future cross-border power trade.
“These initiatives bring us closer to a low-carbon future, open new economic opportunities and help drive the ASEAN Power Grid,” Mr Wong said.
