JOHOR BAHRU: Al-Salam REIT and Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) via its subsidiary Malaysia Rapid Transit System Sdn Bhd (MRTS) have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to construct a pedestrian overhead bridge (POB) worth between RM10 million and RM15 million.
Johor works, transportation and infrastructure committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said the 42-metre-long air-conditioned POB connecting Komtar JBCC to the planned bridge of the Bukit Chagar Link Rapid Transit System (RTS) station is expected to be opened in 2027.
"This project has already started this year and is now in the middle stage. We expect its completion in December 2026 with the hope that it can be ready before the RTS is completed.
"The bridge offers passengers a smooth, safe and easy route between the station and the shopping centre as well as the area around the Ibrahim International Business District including the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex in the Sultan Iskandar Building," he said during the MoU signing ceremony here today.
Mohamad Fazli hoped that the initiative will not only have an impact on pedestrian users but also boost the income potentials of Komtar JBCC and the surrounding area.
Earlier, Mohamad Fazli witnessed the MoU signing between the chief executive officer of AmanahRaya Trustees Bhd, who is the trustee of Al-Salam REIT, Zainudin Suhaimi and MRT Corp’s RTS Link project director Zulkifli Mohamed.
Also present was Damansara REIT Managers Sdn Berhad (DRMSB) chairman Datuk Mohd Redza Shah Abdul Wahid.
Meanwhile, Mohd Redza said the imminent opening of the RTS Link station in 2027 would greatly enhance Komtar JBCC's accessibility, leading to a surge in footfall, as even the influx of RTS Link passengers alone is anticipated to double the pre-pandemic numbers.
"This initiative will undoubtedly yield substantial benefits, as the increased foot traffic will drive business growth and result in higher rental rates.
"We aim to revitalise the earning potentials of Komtar JBCC, breathing new life into its operations and unlocking its true potential," he said.
Al-Salam REIT, a listed real estate investment trust majority owned by Johor Corporation, is managed by DRMSB.
RTS Link, a four-kilometre-long shuttle train network between Singapore at North Woodlands station and Malaysia at Bukit Chagar station, is expected to accommodate up to 10,000 passengers per hour. - Bernama
