KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 — The construction of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link between Johor Bahru and Singapore was 83 per cent done at the end of July, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He said the project, set to start operations on January 1, 2027, is on track.
Taking into account the future increase in the number of RTS Link daily passengers, he said public support facilities such as adequate parking facilities should be improved, and that MRT Corp will build a new 1,500-lot multi-storey Park N’ Ride facility at Bukit Chagar for RTS Link passengers.
He said this at a press conference after witnessing the parking space sale and purchase agreement signing between Malaysia Rapid Transit System Sdn Bhd and Coronade Properties Sdn Bhd here today.
Through the agreement, Coronade Properties will provide 781 additional car and motorcycle parking lots specifically for RTS Link passengers at Coronation Square, located 400m from Bukit Chagar Station.
“A pedestrian bridge connecting Coronation Square to the (Bukit Chagar customs, immigration and quarantine) complex will be built by Coronade Properties so RTS Link users can enjoy this facility in the future.
“All the facilities built to complete the RTS Link service infrastructure will be carefully designed to ensure passengers can enjoy a smooth travel experience from Malaysia to Singapore and vice versa,” he said.
At the same event, Loke said the government’s decision to increase passenger train assets for Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) will enhance public transport services offered by the company.
He assured that the addition of 62 new passenger train sets, with an estimated cost of RM10.7 billion, will not negatively affect KTMB staff or lead to job losses.
“The government will cover the cost of leasing these trains and this is part of a government contract. KTMB is a government-owned company and will receive the necessary funding support from the government if needed.
“We have considered aspects such as maintenance, repair and KTMB staff. This was thoroughly discussed before finalising this decision. Therefore, KTMB employees need not worry about job losses. No one will lose their jobs.”
Loke said the decision was aimed at providing the best service to users and addressing public complaints about the decline in KTMB’s service quality.
On August 14, Loke said the government will adopt a new leasing strategy to acquire passenger train assets for the KTMB network.
He said the leasing method would be implemented under a Malaysia-China government-to-government mechanism to enhance the quality of public transport.
For Phase 1, from 2024 to 2027, the new strategy aims to add 62 new passenger train sets at an estimated cost of RM10.7 billion, to be paid in instalments over a 30-year lease period.
— Bernama
