Completing RTS Link remains the priority, says Dr Wee

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has been notified of the structural changes in Adil Permata Sdn Bhd, the main contractor of the Johor Baru–Singapore Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) project, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The Transport Minister said the necessary announcements on the changes will be made by the relevant parties involved with the projects as required by the Securities Commission soon.

Dr Wee said the priority remains on ensuring the bilateral project can be commenced by Jan 1, 2027.

During a press conference on Monday (June 27), he was responding to questions about businessman Tan Sri Lim Kang Hoo, who was reportedly taking over Adil Permata to “speed things up at the RTS Link project”.

However, Dr Wee said the most important thing at the moment is finishing the project as scheduled.

“All packages of the project given to Adil Permata must be completed by Dec 31, 2026, so that the service can start on Jan 1, 2027,” he said after launching the 13th biennal International Harbour Masters’ Association (IHMA) Congress in Hilton Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

Dr Wee added that the civil structure progress as of three weeks ago was at 17%.

In terms of the operations, which falls under the operation companies (OpCo), a joint-venture company between Malaysia and Singapore, the progress reached 27% two weeks ago.

OpCo or RTS Operations is a joint venture company formed in 2020 by Prasarana Malaysia Bhd (Prasarana) and SMRT Corporation Ltd (SMRT).

Its roles comprised procurement and preparation, among others, to ensure project completion by Dec 31, 2026.

“We are chasing against time as we are still recovering from the pandemic.

“Both countries (Malaysia and Singapore) held frequent meetings to solve any rising issues,” Dr Wee said, adding that there would be no further delays on the project completion.

With a capacity of 10,000 passengers per hour each way, the RTS Link will provide easy and comfortable transportation between Johor Baru and Singapore in just five minutes.