Singapore, Malaysia test emergency response to simulated fire on stranded RTS Link train

JOHOR BAHRU: Emergency responders from Singapore and Malaysia put their cross-border coordination and rescue procedures to the test in a workout replicating a fire on board a stranded Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link train.The joint field training workout, hung on Tuesday (Oct 27), included firefighting operations, medical triage and casualty evacuation, in addition to collaborating the release of emergency situation workers throughout the border.It comes as the cross-border rail service prepares to start guest operations in February 2027, after its opening was pressed back from completion of this year.The workout concluded with an event at the RTS Wadi Hana Depot in Johor Bahru on Wednesday, went to by Singapore’s Second Minister for Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs Sim Ann and Malaysian Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Ms Sim stated the workout showed efficient interaction, release and command and control amongst getting involved firms. Malaysia’s Operations Centre at Bukit Chagar and Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) Integrated Operations Centre “kept real-time interaction” throughout the simulated occurrence, enabling both sides to share details and collaborate their action, Ms Sim stated.Each RTS Link train will bring more than 600 guests and perform at brief periods, with each journey– in between 2 nations, “each with its own laws, companies and command structures”– taking just 5 minutes, she kept in mind.”An emergency situation on board a congested and fast-moving train leaves little space for mistake. By performing the reaction prepares properly and promptly, we will be much better prepared to conserve lives, reduce damage and bring back normalcy rapidly,” stated Ms Sim. She stated the workout offered a chance for companies to determine locations for enhancement before the service starts operations.“An exercise is valuable not because everything goes perfectly. It is valuable because it allows us to learn safely, candidly and together,” she stated.Mr Saifuddin stated these workouts foster trust in between both nations and would much better prepare firms to handle interruptions to the train service.“An interruption to the RTS Link might no longer originate from a single instructions. Physical attacks, cyber invasions, technical failures, and info crises can get to the very same time and throughout borders,” he stated. “Technology informs us what is occurring, however trust chooses how quickly, how with confidence, and how decisively we act together when crisis strikes,” he included.

Video of the workout revealed to press reporters revealed a train stalling in the middle of the track above the Straits of Johor due to a “fire”. Casualties with burn injuries were stretchered out by emergency situation responders while travelers who were unscathed were accompanied out. The workout included a number of Malaysian firms, consisting of the Royal Malaysia Police, Fire and Rescue Department, Ministry of Health and Malaysian Armed Forces.Singapore was represented by ICA, the Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force.It followed a tabletop workout in September, throughout which officers from both nations examined emergency situation action treatments covering fires, medical emergency situations, natural dangers and security occurrences.The 4km RTS Link will link Woodlands North in Singapore with Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru.Created to alleviate blockage at the Causeway, among the world’s busiest land border crossings, the rail link will have the ability to bring approximately 10,000 travelers per hour in each instructions.Customizeds, migration and quarantine centers will be co-located at both stations, permitting guests to clear both nations’ migration checks before boarding.Previously this month, authorities from both nations revealed that guest services would be postponed till February 2027, as more time was required to finish screening, get independent security accreditation and safe and secure regulative approvals.RTS Link’s operator, RTS Operations, anticipates to finish last system tests and trial runs by Dec 31, with the modified opening date topic to the needed security accreditation and regulative approvals.Facilities deals with both sides of the border are significantly total, the authorities stated.