Investing in better roads for Johor will spur economy

JOHOR BARU: The city needs better roads to facilitate its growth, especially with the expected completion of key projects in Johor such as the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) and the crown jewel of the Ibrahim International Business District, Coronation Square.

Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar said that despite being the gateway to the Asian peninsula, Johor is still plagued by bad roads that are not befitting its role as a metropolitan city.

“We do not even have enough street lights,” he said in a special interview.

The Ruler stressed that with major development projects like the RTS and Coronation Square, it is paramount to plan proper roads.

“This means the state needs allocations from the Federal Government to further improve the road conditions,” he said, adding that the state also suffers from regular heavy traffic bottlenecks at its land crossing with Singapore.

His Majesty noted the importance of having the Public-Private Partnership Unit (Ukas) under the Prime Minister’s Department fund the building of a flyover between the RTS and Coronation Square to disperse traffic.

“Investing in Johor Baru’s infrastructure will surely have a multiplier effect and spur the economy,” he said.

The RTS Link is set for completion by Dec 31, 2026, and will commence operations on Jan 1, 2027.

With a capacity of 10,000 passengers per hour each way, the RTS Link will provide an easy and comfortable five-minute commute between Johor Baru and Singapore.

The Coronation Square project, launched by Sultan Ibrahim, is a mixed integrated development. Its first tower is expected to open for business later this year.

The RM4bil project in the heart of the city is expected to reach full completion by 2028 and will boast a mall and six towers featuring two blocks of serviced apartments, two office blocks, a hotel and medical suites.