‘RTS will boost cross-border economy’

PASIR GUDANG: Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin chastised the opposition for undermining the cross-border economy between Johor Baru and Singapore.

He said it was among the most vibrant cross-border economies in the world, and had benefitted both ends.

He said the bilateral agreement signed on the Rapid Transit System (RTS) between Malaysia and Singapore would boost the economy.

“Transborder economic activities do not happen in other places, like Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan or Terengganu, but here in Johor Baru.

“The people here will benefit from the transborder growth between Johor and Singapore once the RTS is operational in 2024,” he said at the Pasir Gudang Urban Transformation Centre yesterday.

Khaled said the RTS development would create jobs, adding that it was confusing that the opposition saw it as an economic failure.

“We must not be left out. We should move together with our neighbour to prosper through opportunities that will be derived from the RTS development.”

He said the development would resolve congestion in the Causeway as the RTS could ferry passengers across in a short time.

He said the RTS could shuttle more than 300,000 commuters from Johor to Singapore daily.