Singapore Expands Diplomatic Presence with New Consulates in Malaysia

Singapore will open new consulates in the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, as confirmed by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on December 4, 2025. This announcement came during a joint press conference with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was visiting Singapore for the 12th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat. Wong expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, stating that the consulates will enhance consular services for Singaporeans and strengthen the ties between the two nations.

The proposal for these new consulates was initially discussed during the previous leaders’ retreat held in Putrajaya in January 2025. Although Singapore had expressed its intention to establish consulates in these regions, formal approval was not granted until now. Currently, Singapore operates two diplomatic missions in Malaysia: a High Commission in Kuala Lumpur and a consulate in Johor Bahru, which was established in 2009.

New MOUs on Health and Drug Cooperation

During the same event, Singapore and Malaysia exchanged two significant memorandums of understanding (MOUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation in health and drug enforcement. The signing ceremony took place at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, where both prime ministers witnessed the exchange.

To combat the rising challenges posed by cross-border drug trafficking, the two countries agreed to collaborate on information sharing related to drug production and trafficking networks. The MOU on Cooperation in the Fight Against Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs was signed by Singapore’s Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam and his Malaysian counterpart Saifuddin Nasution. This agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in tackling drug-related issues, including sharing insights on trends and techniques used in drug production and trafficking.

The deal also emphasizes capacity building through training and education initiatives. Both countries plan to conduct coordinated activities and exercises among relevant agencies to effectively combat illicit drug trafficking. The MOU allows for additional collaborative efforts as agreed upon by the home affairs ministries of both nations.

Strengthening Health Sector Collaboration

In a separate agreement, Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and his Malaysian counterpart Mohamad Hasan signed an MOU focused on health cooperation. This agreement aims to deepen collaboration in various health sectors, including digital health, healthcare service delivery, and health financing.

Key areas of collaboration outlined in the MOU include the prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases, nutrition, long-term care, healthy aging, and human resource development in health. Both countries will enhance cooperation by sharing information, knowledge, and best practices in the identified areas. Furthermore, they plan to facilitate exchange visits of experts and officials, along with joint training and capacity-building activities.

Singapore and Malaysia will also engage in collaborative research, policy development, and stakeholder engagement events. The MOU envisions organizing workshops, seminars, and conferences to promote shared interests in health.

This recent expansion of diplomatic ties and cooperation agreements underscores the commitment of both Singapore and Malaysia to strengthen their bilateral relations, addressing key issues that impact their citizens.