JOHOR BARU: The Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) project will be a catalyst for economic growth for the state capital once it is operational in two years, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The RTS project is on schedule for completion by Dec 31, 2026.
"We can see that Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has been very proactive in addressing traffic congestion at the Causeway," said the MCA president, adding that traffic would lessen once the RTS Link is up and running.
"It will be able to ferry 10,000 passengers each trip," said the Ayer Hitam MP after officiating the opening of a local fast food outlet at a shopping mall here on Saturday (Jan 11).
He added that Immigration clearance would be much easier for those using the RTS Link as passengers only need to go through checks once.
"This will create economic spin-off for local businesses such as retail outlets operating within Johor Baru area, especially those near the RTS station.
"The RTS Link will create a boom and a catalyst for economic growth within Johor Baru. It will only take travellers five minutes to travel between Johor Baru and Singapore and commuting will not be an issue any more.
"The exchange rate, which favours the Singapore Dollar, will encourage visitors to come here and spend their money, which will spur our economy," he said.
Dr Wee also added that Malaysia and Singapore inking the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) agreement will further boost the state's economic potential.
However, he added that both the state and federal governments must have a long-term plan to ease traffic congestion within Johor Baru.
"We leave it to the authorities to ease traffic dispersion here. It must be implemented fast – either a rail or public transport system to support the RTS Link," he said.
