‘HSR in line with growth plan’

BENEFICIAL: Development projects for Muar, Batu Pahat and Pontian mapped out, says Johor MB

THE High-Speed Rail (HSR) project will augur well for the Johor government’s Strategic Growth Plan, which will develop each district in the state based on its niche activity.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the state government had mapped out development projects for the Muar, Batu Pahat and Pontian districts, which neighbour Iskandar Puteri.

He said with HSR stations slated to be built in the three districts, Johor folk would be able to reap the benefits of the mega project.

He said the HSR was a boon for the state and its economy.

“The areas where the HSR passes through will be developed. We have the Strategic Growth Plan, which has identified the pattern of development that will take place in Muar, Batu Pahat and Pontian.

“The HSR will allow the state government to realise the plan. Preparations have been made for us to benefit from the HSR,” he said after the Perdana Haj Course at the Pasir Gudang Municipal Council Stadium here yesterday.

Khaled said the state government lauded the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by Malaysia and Singapore on Tuesday.

The HSR project, targeted to begin operations in 2026, will have eight stations in Bandar Malaysia, Putrajaya, Seremban, Ayer Keroh, Muar, Batu Pahat, Iskandar Puteri and Singapore.

It will cut travelling time between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to 90 minutes.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his Singaporean counterpart, Lee Hsien Loong, witnessed the signing of the MoU in Putrajaya.