Malaysia, Singapore to sign RTS deal by year end

Fruitful year: Ilango (second from left) sharing a light moment with guests during a farewell gathering at his official residence in Singapore.

SINGAPORE: Malaysia and Singa­pore will sign an agreement on the Rapid Transit System (RTS) before the end of this year.

Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore Datuk Ilango Karuppan­nan said the link to connect both countries would be a high bridge.

“After the signing of the memorandum of understanding for the High Speed Rail in December last year, this project will be another game changer,” he said.

Besides the high bridge, it is learnt that there had been other options such as an undersea tunnel.

Ilango said the RTS was an extension from Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station from Wood­lands to Johor Baru.

“Once this project is completed, it will greatly boost connectivity for thousands of people commuting between both countries daily,” he said, adding that the station on the Malaysian side would be at Bukit Chagar.

Asked about the project, he said the station would be located on the ground while the tracks would gradually increase to a height of several metres before descending when the train approached it.

He also said bilateral relationship between both countries was at an all-time high.

Ilango, who has been a career diplomat for 30 years, will be returning to Malaysia at the end of this month following a one-year stint in Singapore.

In his farewell speech during a gathering at his official residence Rumah Malaysia here, he said he was happy that he managed to accomplish three years of work in one.

Asked about his sudden move back to Putrajaya, he said that he was not aware of the details but was told that it was for something important.

“It has been a hectic year for me but I treasure the friendship and experience here,” Ilango said.

At least 100 people comprising ambassadors from other countries, and officials from Singapore and Malaysia attended the event.