Physical work for RTS Link infrastructure reportedly reached 83% completion as of July with the project on track to start operations on Jan 1, 2027. — Courtesy photo
PROGRESS of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link connecting Johor Baru and Singapore has local businesses feeling upbeat about Johor’s economic outlook.
Johor Electrical Appliances Dealers Association president Gan Cheng Swee said once operational, the RTS Link was expected to stimulate real estate development as well as retail and service sectors in Johor Baru.
“With the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) also set to be signed between the Malaysia and Singapore governments in December, we are upbeat about the economic opportunities the initiative will bring.
“Exciting times are ahead for Johor as it is the location for data centre development while the ongoing double-tracking rail project is set to be fully operational by April next year,” he said.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke reportedly said that physical work for the RTS Link rail infrastructure had reached 83% completion as of July 2024 and the project was on track to start operations on Jan 1, 2027.
Gan believes Johor will become nation’s top performing state.
He said completion of the rail infrastructure would also enable RTS Operations System Sdn Bhd to commence system installation work, which included trackwork, rolling stock, signalling systems as well as power supply and distribution.
Gan said these projects could further boost Johor’s economic standing, with those in Johor Baru standing to gain the most.
“With developments come opportunities. We are positive and upbeat about the next five years.
“I believe Johor will become the top performing state nationwide,” he said.
Gan said the association, which celebrated its 22nd anniversary recently, remained steadfast in leading the industry in the right direction.
“Regardless whether the market is good or bad, we will continue looking out for the welfare of industry players,” he said.
He added that the association had been providing academic rewards to members’ children and also conducted charity work to help the less privileged.
Meanwhile, Johor investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han said both Malaysian and Singaporean governments had entered the legal scrubbing phase for JS-SEZ.
He said both sides were on course for the signing of the agreement in December.
“I know there were some concerns about JS-SEZ seemingly ‘slowing down’, but I assure the public that we are now working on the agreement itself.
“The announcement will come in December and the Prime Minister, in his Budget 2025 speech, also mentioned that incentives would be announced soon so this will create a lot of excitement for businesses in Johor, Singapore and also Indonesia,” Lee added.
