RTS extension to scrutinise 3 related deals
request for the sixmonth extension for the Rapid Transit System (RTS) project was to study the details of three deals under it, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He said the extension was to amend the bilateral, joint-venture and concession agreements involving Malaysia and Singapore, which needed a decision by April 30.
He refuted a news report which said that the extension was because the government had yet to decide on the future of the RTS project.
“We requested a sixmonth extension before we sign all the documents as the government has decided to continue with the project based on amendments to the structures of the project.
“When there is an amendment, the governement should conduct a study on it.
“We will co-appoint a consultant to undergo any engineering research, as well as the amendments to the deal.
“It was not because we haven’t made a decision.
“We have and it will be subject to Singapore’s agreement. So the six-month extension was to study the implementation of the RTS project, not to postpone it,” he said at the Parliament lobby yesterday.
The Singaporean media, quoting the city state’s Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan, said Malaysia had, for a third time, requested for a sixmonth extension on the RTS project from Oct 29 to April 30.
When asked on the project savings of up to 36 per cent, Loke said it applied only to Malaysia’s portion of the project and the overall project.
“The cost does involve both parties.
“However, the station’s infrastructure, the bridge and other facilities will be in Johor and are under Malaysia’s responsibility.
“The cost-savings we stated were between the Bukit Chagar station and the bridge’s infrastructure until Singapore’s border.”
On whether Malaysia will retain the same passenger capacity as was previously agreed with Singapore, Loke said discussions were ongoing and Singapore’s requests must be fulfilled.