The proposal by Singapore to buy two pieces of land from Malaysia that will be affected by the redevelopment of Woodlands Checkpoint is still under consideration by Malaysian authorities.
Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore Datuk Dr Azfar Mohamad Mustafar stated that it would make sense for Singapore to purchase the land, but a decision regarding a sale or land swap has not yet been made.
“Singapore has submitted a request to Malaysia for the purchase of the land. The relevant authority in Malaysia is currently deliberating the matter. As of now, we have not received any feedback from them,” said Azfar to Malaysian journalists on Saturday (Jan 17).
Azfar explained that all government land abroad is registered under the Federal Lands Commissioner, and Singapore expressed its intention to buy the freehold lands last year, which cover an area of about 0.93ha (2.3 acres).
He also mentioned that he had proposed a land swap, but the final decision rests with the federal government.
In September 2010, Singapore and Malaysia completed a land swap deal involving Malayan railway land in the republic and several plots of land in various locations. In exchange, Singapore offered parcels of land in Marina South and Ophir-Rochor.
The Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) recently announced plans to redevelop WCP for a more sustainable and long-term solution to address the chronic congestion at the crossing with Malaysia. The redeveloped WCP is expected to be operationalised progressively from 2028.
ICA stated that extensive feasibility and technical studies have been conducted to determine the optimal amount of land needed for the redevelopment, which can only be met through land acquisition and land reclamation.
When asked if Malaysia still owned land in Singapore, Azfar confirmed that the federal government has parcels of land around the island, including one acre of land at Holland Village, but excluding land in the republic owned by Johor. – Bernama
