The transport ministry says that a decision on whether Malaysia will continue with the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) project will be made by the end of October, as per the deadline extension agreed upon by Malaysia and Singapore, Bernama reports.

During the tabling of Budget 2020, finance minister Lim Guan Eng said the government intends to proceed with the RTS project. “This is an indication of the government’s support for the project, but I cannot provide further details as it will be discussed and decided in cabinet within the next two weeks,” said transport minister Anthony Loke.

He said following the cabinet’s decision, he will contact his counterpart, Singapore’s transport minister Khaw Boon Wan. “After that, we (the federal government) are confident that an official announcement will be made by the end of this month. We are committed to the October 31 deadline, so an official announcement can be made by that date,” he said.

The RTS Link – aimed at addressing congestion in the daily commute between the two countries – was initially scheduled to begin construction this year and slated for completion by December 2024. The proposed 4km-long rail project will link Bukit Chagar in Johor Baru and Woodlands in Singapore, and will have the capacity to ferry 10,000 passengers per hour.

It is aimed at providing an alternative means of transportation for 80,000 to 100,000 commuters plying the causeway route daily. Under the original agreement, the one-way fare was set at RM15. Should Malaysia choose to terminate the project, it will have to pay RM200 million in abortive costs.

-paultan