THE deadline to decide on the construction of the RM4 billion Rapid Transit System project linking Johor Baru and Singapore has been extended for one more month on Malaysia’s request, The Star reported.

The initial six-month grace period granted by Singapore expires on Monday.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke requested for the extension when he met with Singapore counterpart Khaw Boon Wan in Sepang, Selangor, recently and the republic allowed for the extension yesterday.

Sources said Singapore reserve the rights to make backdated claims if Malaysia further asked for another extension in the future.

“There will be no financial implication this time,” a source said.

Malaysia had requested for a six-month extension to review the project in March and both Singapore and Malaysia agreed to suspend work on the project last May until September 30.

The bilateral agreement to build the 4km cross-border MRT link from Woodlands in Singapore to Bukit Chagar in Johor to help alleviate congestion on the Causeway was signed by both governments in 2018.

Malaysia is looking for ways to reduce the cost of the RTS and is also looking to the private sector to fund and operate it.

Singapore’s Transport Ministry said it is possible for Malaysia to defer deadlines and review parameters on the RTS project but this had to be done within agreed terms and mutual consent from both parties. – September 28, 2019.