HSR, RTS mega projects to spur growth in Johor
The Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) and Rapid Transit System (RTS) mega rail projects are expected to spur Johor’s growth to the next level.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the two projects, along with the Iskandar Malaysia economic region and Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex (PIPC), were contributing to Malaysia’s goal of becoming an advanced high-income nation.
“The government is committed to developing the HSR project, which links Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, as well as RTS.
“Once the HSR and RTS are completed, they will take Johor’s development to a higher level. The next level of growth will become a reality,” Najib said when launching the Progressive Johor Expo in Kota Iskandar here yesterday.
Malaysia and Singapore signed an agreement on Dec 13 to build the HSR project, spanning 350km between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
The project costs between RM50 billion and RM60 billion and will shorten travel time between the two capitals to 90 minutes. It is slated for completion in 2026.
The RTS project was announced by the Malaysian and Singaporean governments seven years ago to provide an alternative for 80,000 to 100,000 people who commute via the Causeway daily.
The rail link between Bukit Chagar, Johor Baru, to Woodlands, Singapore, is expected to be completed in 2024 and will handle up to 10,000 passengers an hour in each direction between its two terminus stations.
On PIPC, Najib lauded the state government for its commitment to implement the high-impact project.
“The project will transform Johor into a hub for oil and gas downstream industries. It will be a hub that adheres to sustainability policies and will be of international standard.
“This will bring Malaysia closer towards becoming an advanced high-income economy.”
He said the first phase of PIPC was expected to be completed in 2020, in time to boost the oil and gas industries.
“This involves investments totaling RM124 billion, which will create 4,600 jobs.
“The project is also receiving a RM31 billion investment from the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco). This is testimony to its confidence in Malaysia and Johor.
“People in Pengerang will enjoy spillover benefits, including more and better roads and improved electricity infrastructure.”
He said another transformation in Johor’s landscape was taking place in Iskandar Malaysia, which continued to attract interest from investors.
“The term transformation aptly describes what is happening in Johor as seen in the projects, developments and additional investments under the leadership of Irda (Iskandar Regional Development Authority) in southern Johor, which is widely known.”