In view of the cancellation of the mass rapid transit (MRT) line 3 and the KL-Singapore high-speed rail project, Transport Minister Anthony Loke assured that the government will continue the Johor Bahru-Singapore MRT but subject to cost review, reported The Edge.
However, he declined to say if the decision to push through with the rapid transit system (RTS) project came from Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Set to commence operation by 31 December 2024, the RTS will connect Johor’s Bukit Chagar with Singapore’s Woodlands. The 4km rail link is expected to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour each way.
The project’s cost is yet to be determined since it would depend on the rail alignment agreed upon by a joint venture to be set up between Singapore’s SMRT Corp Ltd and Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, which will also jointly hold a 30-year concession on the link.
Malaysia and Singapore inked a bilateral agreement on 18 January, signifying the two countries’ commitment to the project. The agreement outlines the technical, safety and security requirements; financing, commercial, procurement and regulatory frameworks; as well as immigration, customs and quarantine arrangements.
Calls for tenders for the RTS project is expected this year.
Damansara Realty Bhd on 8 May said it is partnering with China State Construction Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd to bid for the rail project.
Iskandarhome 