Johor MB hopes suspended RTS Link will be resumed

The Johor government hopes the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link project will eventually be implemented to ease congestion at the causeway, although its construction has been suspended until Sept 30 this year.

Johor Menteri Besar Dr Sahruddin Jamal said the state government was looking forward to its implementation.

"We are aware (of the agreement to suspend the project), but the hope in Johor is that the RTS Link project will be continued.

"Many Johoreans travel daily to work in Singapore. So it’s our hope (that it will be resumed)," he told reporters after presenting Hari Raya cash aid to 100 students at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia today.

Sahruddin was commenting on the signing of a supplementary agreement between the two countries in Singapore this morning to allow for a six-month delay to the RTS Link project.

Third bridge proposal welcome

Sahruddin also said that the state government welcomed the proposal from his predecessor Osman Sapian for a third bridge between the two countries.

"We want the RTS, and a third bridge is also welcome," he said. 

"Whatever development will make it more comfortable for Johoreans to travel to and from Singapore is welcomed by the state government," he said.

Meanwhile, Johor exco Mohd Solihan Badri said the postponement would give Putrajaya time to tweak the RTS Link project to ensure that fares would be reasonable.

“The RTS Link will overcome traffic congestion, bring a positive impact to Johor’s economy, and prove that Malaysia and Singapore can cooperate to resolve their common problems.

“It is hoped that this cooperation can be extended to other areas of development in the spirit of neighbourliness for our mutual interests,” he told Bernama.

Solihan said Johor and Singapore should use their strengths for development, including to develop ferry services now linking several jetties in the two countries.

“I am confident that when the RTS Link completed, the tourism industry will also benefit,” he said.

- Bernama

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