JOHOR BARU – The federal government has been urged to submit a proposal for the development of another transport infrastructure in place of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) project which has been terminated, to drive Johor’s economic growth and enhance regional connectivity.
Johor opposition representatives in a statement today said a proposal for the development of a transport infrastructure network in the affected areas would soon be submitted to Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad, which was for the well-being of the people in the state.
“The state of Johor is the fourth biggest contributor to Malaysia’s overall economic growth contributing RM134 billion to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, the transport infrastructure network does not translate to the economic contribution.
“In fact, the weaknesses of the transportation system network in Johor have been emphasised as the core focus by the Johor state government through the Johor Sustainable Development Plan (PPMJ) 2030,” read the statement.
The statement was jointly issued by Skudai assemblymen Tan Hong Pin, Chew Chong Sin (Mengkibol), Yeo Tung Siong (Pekan Nanas), Ng Yak Howe (Bentayan), and Gan Peck Cheng (Penggaram), all representing DAP.
The opposition leaders also expressed concern that any re-alignment of the HSR project without involving Singapore and ending in Johor Baru, will only be another while elephant as it will be without any regional economic appeal and impact.
According to them, the main attraction of the HSR project was to save passenger transportation time through the introduction of an integrated boundary clearance system.
Former Johor menteri besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin also weighed in, highlighting areas along the west coast proposed as HSR alignments have the potential to be developed.
“Indonesia is developing areas on its side of the straits of Melaka particularly in Dumai, therefore Malaysia must compete,” he told reporters after opening the Pasir Gudang Wanita Umno delegates conference here today.
He said the move would indirectly contribute to higher economic growth as areas such as the Klang Valley have already become saturated with development.
Meanwhile, Khaled hoped the government would disclose the reasons behind the project cancellation. – Bernama, January 1, 2021
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