7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Former Skudai assemblyman welcomes second RTS proposal
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Skudai assemblyman Dr Boo Cheng Hau has welcomed the Johor government's proposal to establish a second Rapid Transit System (RTS) to connect Tuas in Singapore and Iskandar Puteri in Johor.
The proposal was raised by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi during his meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at The Istana in Singapore on Thursday.
The second RTS, he said, would help speed up the development of Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone by integrating the connectivity between the two countries.
The former DAP Johor chairman also praised Onn Hafiz's openness in listening to opinions from the grounds and his down-to-earth approach in resolving the hardships faced by the ordinary Johoreans.
Dr Boo said back in February, he issued a press statement pertaining to the same issue, suggesting a second RTS after having received input from the grassroots and the local guilds' leaders.
"I am delighted that the Johor government has taken the suggestion into consideration and officially proposed it to the Singaporean government.
"It was hoped that Putrajaya and the Singaporean government would consider the proposal seriously. It would be beneficial to not only Johoreans but also to the development of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone."
Dubbed RTS2, the proposed link, if realised, follows a similar system along the Causeway that is nearing completion and will be part of a broader plan to improve mobility and investment synergy between the two economies. (Link: )
Dr Boo said he does not oppose the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) projects, but it requires more in-depth due diligence studies as it involves an enormous amount of investments which is beyond Malaysia's financial capacity at the moment.
"Nonetheless, it could be reconsidered when Malaysia's financial standings would have improved and the geopolitical environment is more conducive for such a mega project, considering the strategic position of the Johor-Singapore Economic Zone," he said, adding that the policy makers would have to gauge as to whether the geopolitical factors are favourable for such a mega project.
He added that the feasibility and demands for HSR could be better reassessed after the double-track Electronic Train System is in full operation and the cost-effectiveness and economic benefits of the HSR could be better reassured.
