KUALA LUMPUR: Construction of a RM3.75 bil light rail project linking Johor with Singapore will begin next year, after both countries formalise the deal on July 30, the transport minister said on Tuesday.
The Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link was suspended last year after the former Malaysian administration led by Mahathir Mohamad pledged to tighten finances and review major deals.
The countries had earlier this year agreed to a July 31 deadline to finalise the project, after talks were hit by movement curbs to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong said the agreement will be signed on the Johor Causeway – the main thoroughfare for land traffic between Malaysia and Singapore – in a brief ceremony to be witnessed by both prime ministers.
“Our expectation is by the end of 2026, we will see the start of RTS operations between Johor Bahru and Singapore,” Wee said at a news conference in parliament.
Wee said the total cost of the project would be RM3.75 bil, including the construction of a maintenance depot which was not included in the earlier estimate.
Singapore is paying 61% of the costs and Malaysia 39%, a transport official said.
Mahathir had said in October that the project cost was cut by a third from about RM4.93 bil to RM3.16 bil after discussions between both countries.
In March, a new Malaysian government led by Muhyiddin Yassin was sworn in after Mahathir’s sudden resignation. – July 21, 2020, Reuters
