THE new government administration will not affect the course of the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project, said Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Corp. 

Chief executive officer Mohd Zarif Hashim said the project that received approval from the cabinet in 2019 is a government commitment that needs to be undertaken. 

“The first cabinet approval was given in 2019. In 2020, there were further discussions in the cabinet. 

“This project is a commitment from the government. As a country, we have to do it. The project is also halfway through with all the land already purchased,” he told reporters after the RTS and Impact on Johor Seminar at University of Reading Malaysia in Iskandar Puteri today. 

Asked if the frequent flash floods in the city would delay the progress of the project, Zarif said it should not interfere because the project site is on high ground. 

Regarding the development of the RTS Link, he said the project has so far reached more than 20% completion and is running according to schedule, including the construction of the depot located in Wadi Hana in Iskandar Puteri. 

“Now it is being built (depot), including the peeling and foundation. From there, we will raise the building,” he said.

Zarif said the RTS Link project, which can reduce traffic congestion and shorten the journey between Johor Baru and Singapore by about 15 minutes, is expected to bring economic spillover and investment to Johor. 

“What is most important is that we want to encourage investment in terms of goods and services, thus encouraging foreign direct investments in Johor. 

“It will also attract approximately 1,500 construction job opportunities, but the overall impact, in terms of supporting industries, hotels, logistics and food, we are expecting the creation of about 30,000 jobs,” he said. 

The RTS Link project is expected to be completed in December 2026 and the link is expected to be fully operational on January 1, 2027. 

MRT Corp is the developer and owner of civil infrastructure for the Malaysian section of the rail project. – Bernama, December 9, 2022.