Solution to dispute sought

Solution to dispute sought

SINGAPORE (Reuters): Singapore and Malaysia have agreed on the need to settle differences over immigration logistics at a new railway station by Aug. 1, officials in both countries said at the weekend.

The railway dispute is one of several issues which have marred relations between the two neighbors in recent weeks.

Singapore ultimately wants to replace the existing terminus for the railway line from Malaysia -- now in the heart of urban Singapore on the south side of Singapore island -- with a new one on the north side, just across from Malaysia.

Malaysia, which has property rights related to the railway right-of-way and existing station in Singapore, has yet to agree on terms for a full switch, but Singapore in the meantime wants to proceed with relocation of the republic's railway customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) facilities.