MOU on search and rescue, more ferry services signed

Singapore and Malaysia signed two memoranda of understanding (MOU) at the sidelines of the annual leaders’ retreat yesterday.

Officials from the Singapore Civil Defence Force and Malaysia’s National Security Council signed an MOU for cooperation in developing urban search-and-rescue capabilities.

The MOU will further strengthen and promote cooperation between the two agencies on training and development of standard operating procedures and doctrines for urban search-and-rescue operations. It will also promote sharing of information in this area.

Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) and the Johor Port Authority signed a supplemental agreement to allow an increase in ferry services between Changi Ferry Terminal and Tanjung Belungkor in south-eastern Johor. Ferry services have operated between the two points since 1993, and currently run twice each way on weekdays and four times on weekends and public holidays. The route sees about 30,000 passengers each year, according to the MPA. NEO CHAI CHIN