KLUANG – The implementation of public transport projects such as Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail (HSR) and light rail transit (LRT) in the state will take into account various factors, especially the country’s financial standing, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.
He said that the government has no objection in supporting the development of public transport infrastructure in the state, but it would be implemented in stages.
“…in terms of implementation, it is not that easy. It will take into account various factors, including financial consideration,” he told reporters after officiating the Johor DAP Convention 2023 here today.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, when tabling Johor Budget 2024 on November 23, said he hoped that the HSR and LRT projects would be implemented soon to complete the transport ecosystem, especially in making Johor a major investment destination in the region.
When asked about the latest development of the HSR project, Loke said the ministry was in the process of conducting a request for information (RFI) to look into proposals from the private sector for the implementation of the project.
“However, whether it can be implemented or not, the HSR funding method must be based on private financing. It is up to the private sector. So we are waiting for the proposal papers from the private sector,” said Loke.
MyHSR Corporation Sdn Bhd was previously reported as saying that the deadline for the submission of the RFI concept proposals for the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore HSR project had been extended until January 15, 2024 from its original deadline of November 15, 2023.
On the LRT project, Loke said it required thorough planning and detailed considerations prior to its implementation.
“It includes the cost, the alignment, and other technical issues. The matter will be further discussed by the federal government and the state government,” he said.
In another development, Loke said Malaysians may soon be able to travel on the Shuttle Tebrau service between Johor Bahru and Woodlands in Singapore for a flat rate of RM5 per trip.
The current price for a one-way ticket from Johor Bahru to Woodlands is RM5, while the ticket from Woodlands to Johor Bahru is SG$5 (RM17.30).
“KTMB suggested to me yesterday a structural adjustment for our Malaysian citizens. I welcome the suggestion and will bring the matter to the Land Public Transport Agency, and hopefully it can be implemented beginning next year,” he said.
Loke said that although the shuttle service will cease operations once the Johor Bahru-Singapore rapid transit system Link project is completed in 2027, the restructuring of the fare rate would still benefit Malaysians, especially those commuting daily from Johor to Singapore during the next three years. – December 10, 2023