JOHOR BARU – Malaysia and Singapore are looking into more ways to alleviate traffic congestion along the borders. Proposals include ferry services and improving immigration service while the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link) project goes on.
Another suggestion was welcoming the resumption of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail (HSR) project through private financing.
During a press conference here, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that there were bilateral discussions with his Singaporean counterpart S. Iswaran to improve connectivity between the two countries, including the HSR project.
Loke reiterated that several private companies have expressed interest in taking over the HSR project, however, the Malaysian government has to first consider implementation models and financing schemes.
Meanwhile, Iswaran said Singapore is ready to study any proposals from Malaysia.
Loke also took the opportunity to commend Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi for his efforts to ensure smooth operations at the border by conducting spot checks.
The minister added that there are plans to improve immigration processing at the Johor border as well.
“Minister Iswaran and I also discussed whether there is a possibility of having ferry services to connect both countries.”
Iswaran said while waiting for the RTS Link to be completed, the two countries are looking at facilitating smoother travel beginning with operations at the Johor Baru-Singapore Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex.
Today, the two ministers conducted their first joint inspection of the RTS-Link project site here.
Loke said the completion of the railway infrastructure stands at 36% as of April 30, while the marine viaduct’s progress is at 30%.
He added that both countries are confident that the project will be fully completed by December 31, 2026. – The Vibes, May 11, 2023
