Joint Statement by PM Lawrence Wong and PM Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the 12th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders' Retreat

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim met in Singapore on 4 December 2025 for the 12^th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat.

The Leaders reaffirmed the excellent and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship and commended the positive and regular exchanges at various levels between both sides. As 2025 also marks the 60^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Leaders renewed their unwavering commitment to continue to strengthen cooperation across multiple domains.

The Leaders agreed that the positive spirit of bilateral relations is extended to outstanding bilateral issues. The Leaders reaffirmed their shared aspiration to resolve outstanding bilateral issues through an amicable and constructive approach, in a spirit of mutual respect, and in accordance with the principles of international law.

Taking into consideration the overall relationship of both countries and the need to achieve durable and mutually beneficial outcomes for both sides, the Leaders committed to making progress on outstanding issues, including on their operational aspects.

Both Leaders reaffirmed the need to continue identifying areas of shared interest and potential cooperation while maintaining constructive negotiations on the outstanding issues.

A Multifaceted and Positive Agenda

The Leaders expressed satisfaction at the robust bilateral economic cooperation, underpinned by strong trade and people-to-people links.

The Leaders affirmed the strong and growing economic partnership between Malaysia and Singapore. Both countries remain each other’s second-largest trading partners in 2024. From January to October 2025, bilateral trade amounted to USD78.70 billion, accounting for 13.5% of Malaysia’s total trade.

The Leaders welcomed the convening of the 10^th Joint Seminar and 41^st Public Service Games for Malaysia and Singapore Public Sector Leaders held from 18 to 20 July 2025 in Singapore, which further strengthened the excellent relations and cooperation between the public sectors of both countries.

The Leaders welcomed the ratification of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) Agreement and the progress made on the JS-SEZ following the signing of the Agreement on the sidelines of the 11^th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders Retreat in January 2025. The Leaders welcomed the establishment of Singapore’s JS-SEZ Project Office and Malaysia’s Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre-Johor (IMFC-J), which have worked hand-in-hand to support businesses in their expansion into the JS-SEZ. Singapore and Malaysia organised two Joint Investment Forums (JIFs) this year, providing a platform for businesses to explore opportunities in the JS-SEZ. As of October 2025, Singapore-based businesses have committed over S$5.5 billion (RM17.97 billion) in investments in the JS-SEZ. The Leaders reiterated that the JS-SEZ will enhance the value proposition of the two countries to global investors and help create good jobs for our peoples.

The Leaders further commended the progress in emerging areas of the Digital Economy and the Green Economy, following the signing of the Frameworks on Cooperation in January 2023. The Leaders were pleased at the successful implementation of the real-time payment systems linkage between Singapore’s PayNow and Malaysia’s DuitNow, which facilitates seamless cross-border transactions. For the Green Economy, the Leaders noted the positive progress towards the conclusion and signing of a binding Government-to-Government Agreement on cross-border Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) by 2026. The Leaders also noted progress in the discussions on an Implementation Agreement on carbon credits cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

The Leaders welcomed the close bilateral cooperation on transboundary environmental issues through platforms such as the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Committee on the Environment (MSJCE) and Malaysia-Singapore Annual Exchange of Visits (MSAEV). The Malaysia-Singapore Joint Committee on the Environment Working Group met in September 2025 to discuss cooperation on control of vehicular emissions, joint monitoring of water quality, emergency responses to chemical and oil spill incidents, as well as to exchange information on the ecology and morphology in and around the Straits of Johor. The Leaders noted the exchange of information and discussion on land reclamation works affecting the environment in the Straits of Johor and their potential transboundary environmental impact. The Leaders reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to monitor, exchange information on, and discuss these matters.

The Leaders acknowledged sea-level rise as a long-term climate challenge affecting both nations and agreed to explore cooperation with regard to sea-level rise, and coastal resilience and adaptation.

The Leaders commended efforts to improve cross-border connectivity and looked forward to the completion of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link). The Leaders also welcomed the signing of the Supplementary Agreement to the RTS Link Bilateral Agreement, which will serve to facilitate the preparations for the co-located CIQ facilities ahead of the targeted service commencement date at the end of December 2026. The Leaders noted that the Transport Ministries are in close discussion on potential enhancements to the Cross-Border Taxi Scheme and other cross-border passenger services to better meet commuter needs. These discussions complement recent initiatives by both countries to facilitate movement of people and goods, such as improving the immigration clearance systems and expanding QR code clearance and automated clearance lanes. The Leaders noted Singapore’s plan to redevelop Woodlands Checkpoint to meet the strong long-term demand for cross-border travel and ease congestion along the Causeway.

The Leaders noted that both sides have agreed to refresh the Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia platform into a more comprehensive Johor-Singapore Cooperation Ministerial Committee (JSCMC) platform. The Leaders welcomed the refresh, which will bolster the multifaceted nature of the bilateral relationship by providing strategic direction, strengthening bilateral coordination, and overseeing the implementation of priority initiatives under the JS-SEZ. Both sides agreed to set up working groups to discuss matters relating to JS-SEZ, transportation and other mutually agreed areas in the future.

The Leaders reiterated their commitment to ensure that the obligations under the 1962 Johore River Water Agreement (62WA) are fulfilled. They commended the continued efforts by Malaysia’s Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) and Singapore’s Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) to promote the shared interests of both nations under the 62WA. The Leaders encouraged both sides to continue their fruitful engagements through the meetings of the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) to discuss measures to increase the yield and resilience as well as safeguard the water quality of the Johore River to ensure its sustainable supply to the extent required by the 62WA, and the possibility of collaboration. The Leaders noted that the JTC will be supported by the newly established Technical Working Group on technical matters related to yield, water quality and the resilience of the Johore River. The Leaders encouraged continued discussions on the way forward regarding raw and treated water prices through the JTC, without prejudice to each other’s respective long-declared positions on the right to review the prices under the 62WA.

The Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to review the delegation arrangements for the provision of air traffic services over Southern Peninsular Malaysia, as recommended and approved by ICAO in 1973. They agreed that these delegation arrangements do not affect sovereignty and are essential for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of flights. The review will be undertaken in accordance with ICAO’s requirements for safe and efficient air traffic management, and to accommodate the current and future operational needs of both countries. The Leaders also tasked the Ministers of Transport to guide their respective civil aviation authorities in conducting a joint study to optimise East-West Malaysia traffic, and on Singapore's proposed instrument flight procedures.

The Leaders noted that both sides had worked closely together and continued to hold discussions at the Joint Meetings of the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Technical Committee on the Implementation of the International Court of Justice Judgment on Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge and the Committee for Boundary Delimitation Pursuant to the Agreement between the Foreign Ministers of Singapore and Malaysia on 14 March 2019 (Joint MSJTC and CBD Meetings). Both Leaders noted that both parties have increased the frequency of meetings in an effort to achieve a durable and mutually beneficial outcome. Both sides remain committed to resolve outstanding bilateral maritime boundary issues.

The Leaders welcomed the positive progress achieved by the Technical Working Group (TWG) on the Agreement between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of the Republic of Singapore to Delimit Precisely the Territorial Waters Boundary in accordance with the Straits Settlements and Johore Territorial Waters Agreement 1927 (1995 Agreement). The TWG has convened five meetings since its establishment, most recently in Penang, Malaysia, on 19 and 20 August 2025. Both countries have agreed to and signed the Terms of Reference (TOR) and Scope of Works (SOW), endorsed an indicative timeline for joint technical activities, and undertaken the necessary fieldwork. The Leaders encouraged the TWG to maintain its close cooperation and to continue undertaking the required technical work with diligence and rigour towards determining the actual location of the international boundary in the Johor Strait under the 1995 Agreement. This underscores the shared commitment of Malaysia and Singapore to strengthening bilateral relations and ensuring a clear and well-managed boundary.

The Leaders commended the strong defence cooperation between Singapore and Malaysia at the bilateral and multilateral levels. The Singapore Armed Forces and Malaysian Armed Forces participated in a range of bilateral military exercises, including Semangat Bersatu (Army), Malapura (Navy), and Sarex Malsing (Air Force). On the multilateral front, both sides remain committed to strengthening cooperation through the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus, Malacca Straits Patrol (MSP) as well as the Counter-Terrorism Information Facility (CTIF). Notably, the Republic of Singapore Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy signed the Arrangement for Mutual Submarine Rescue Support and Cooperation in August 2025, which bore testament to the strong ties between both defence establishments.

The Leaders reiterated the need for continued close cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore to combat the ever-evolving threat of transnational crimes which poses significant risks to national peace and security. Both Leaders welcomed the establishment of the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Working Committee (JWC) in operationalising the MOU on Cooperation in Preventing and Combatting Transnational Crimes exchanged by the Ministry of Home Affairs of both countries at the 11^th Retreat. Both Leaders commended the hosting of the 1^st Malaysia-Singapore Joint Working Committee (JWC) Meeting on Cooperation in Preventing and Combatting Transnational Crime in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah on 5 November 2025, which signified both countries’ commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation in tackling this challenge together.

The Leaders reaffirmed our shared heritage and historic people-to-people links. In March 2025, both countries jointly submitted a joint nomination to inscribe “Chingay: a street parade that showcases multiculturalism, traditions, and artistic displays of communities” onto the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The recent Malaysia-Singapore Triennial Cultural Showcase, organised by Singapore, was held in Johor on 8 November 2025. These cultural initiatives reinforce the friendship between both nations as they celebrate the 60^th anniversary of bilateral relations.

The Leaders commended the successful pilot run of the Malaysia-Singapore English Volunteers Programme organised by the Singapore International Foundation and Malaysia’s Yayasan Guru Tun Hussein Onn from 14 August to 12 September 2025. Such initiatives reflect our shared desire to learn from each other and deepen educational cooperation.

The Leaders looked forward to opening Singapore’s Consulates in Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia, which would further deepen the economic and people-to-people ties between Singapore and East Malaysia, as well as strengthen the overall bilateral relationship.

A Forward-Looking Partnership

The Leaders noted positive momentum in discussions for the cross-border trading of green electricity between the two countries. In particular, the Leaders welcomed the award of a Conditional Approval on 17 October 2025 from Singapore’s Energy Market Authority to Sembcorp Utilities Pte Ltd, which is working with its consortium partner Sarawak Energy Berhad, to import 1GW of low-carbon electricity from Sarawak, Malaysia to Singapore. The Leaders also noted the Joint Development Agreement signed on 17 October 2025 between Tenaga Nasional Berhad, SP Group, and Singapore Energy Interconnections, to conduct a full feasibility study for a second power interconnection between Malaysia and Singapore. When completed, it will expand the capacity for cross-border electricity trade between the two countries and reinforce energy resilience by providing mutual support in times of system instability. The initiatives have the potential to contribute to the region’s vision of realising an ASEAN Power Grid, which envisions multilateral power trade in the region progressing from bilateral to sub-regional agreements along multiple routes. These are key milestones in our energy partnership, and the Leaders looked forward to advancing further developments of these projects, and facilitating cross-border electricity trade by utilising additional capacity under the second electricity interconnector.

The Leaders welcomed the exchange of the MOU between Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs on Cooperation in the Fight Against Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, Their Analogues and Precursor Chemicals.

The Leaders noted that both sides are continuing discussions on the MOU on mutual recognition of Halal certification between Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura and Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).

The Leaders welcomed the exchange of the MOU on Cooperation in Health between Singapore’s Ministry of Health and Malaysia’s Ministry of Health.

The Leaders noted that both sides are continuing discussions on the MOU on Youth and Sports Cooperation between the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth of Singapore and Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia.

Conclusion

Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advance the bilateral relationship by fostering mutually beneficial collaboration and strengthening partnership at all levels. Both Leaders underscored their commitment to ensure ASEAN remains cohesive, forward-looking, and dynamic. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong congratulated Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Malaysia’s successful ASEAN Chairmanship and applauded Prime Minister Anwar’s strong personal leadership in shepherding ASEAN through an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

The Leaders looked forward to Malaysia hosting the 13th Leaders’ Retreat.

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