More time sought to study Johor-S’pore rail link

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has requested a six-month extension from Singapore before making a decision on the Rapid Transit System (RTS) project, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said yesterday.

He said the extension request until September was to enable the government to examine issues, including the cost of the project.

“We are asking for more time from the Singapore government for us to study other options.

“We are looking at the cost of the project and how we can reduce it, as well as how to implement the project,” he said at the Parliament lobby here.

Last week, Khazanah Nasional Bhd managing director Datuk Shahril Ridza Ridzuan said it was ready to consider its involvement in the project.

He said the connectivity facilities between both countries should be improved to boost economic growth and attract investors.

RTS, which will connect Bukit Chagar in Johor to Woodlands, Singapore, is expected to ferry up to 10,000 passengers per hour each way.

PIC COURTESY OF ROYAL PRESS OFFICE This 2017 picture shows Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar reviewing plans for the Rapid Transit System project in Johor Baru.