The newly constructed Kulai train station is part of the Gemas-Johor Baru Electrified Double Track Rail Project (Gemas-JB EDTP). A total of 11 new train stations have been built in Johor for this project. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
JOHOR is set to become a major rail hub in Malaysia within the next few years, enhancing connectivity and driving economic development in the state.
State works, transportation, infrastructure and communication committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said two ongoing rail projects in Johor are on track for completion.
“The first is the Gemas-Johor Baru Electrified Double Track Rail Project (Gemas-JB EDTP), which officially began construction in January 2018.
Syarul Izam said Forest City is looking forward to participating in major projects like the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore HSR.“This project aims to upgrade the existing single-track railway between Gemas and Johor Baru to a double-track electrified system, spanning approximately 192km and covering key districts such as Segamat, Kluang, Kulai and Johor Baru,” he added.
Mohamad Fazli said the project is on track for completion by the third quarter of this year and is expected to enhance connectivity while driving economic growth in the region.
He said the Gemas-JB EDTP will complement the Electric Train Service (ETS), which runs from Padang Besar in Perlis to Gemas in Negri Sembilan.
“The Segamat station is the first station in Johor to become operational since March 15, and other stations along the route will follow suit before the final stop at JB Sentral.
“There are 11 stops along its 192km route between Gemas and Johor Baru, covering districts such as Segamat, Kluang and Kulai,” he added.
The 11 stations are Segamat, Genuang, Labis, Bekok, Paloh, Kluang, Mengkibol, Renggam, Layang-Layang, Kulai and Kempas Baru.
An aerial view of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which will connect Johor Baru to Singapore. The project is on schedule for completion by the end of 2026.
It will reduce travel time between Johor Baru and Kuala Lumpur to four and a half hours from the previous seven hours.
Mohamad Fazli noted that the Gemas-JB EDTP project would greatly benefit locals by enhancing connectivity between cities and reducing travel time.
“With this service, users will enjoy a faster, more comfortable and more efficient journey from Johor Baru to Gemas, along with direct connections to Kuala Lumpur and other destinations in Peninsular Malaysia.
“The Gemas-JB EDTP will be a catalyst in positioning Johor as a rail hub in Malaysia, as the state government aims to fully utilise the double-track railway for the benefit of the people,” he said.
Mohamad Fazli said the state government had observed that the ETS running on the double track would not have consistent ridership along its route.
“We want to fully optimise the double rail track by introducing a commuter service that connects Paloh to JB Sentral, as well as Kulai to JB Sentral,” he added.
Mohamad Fazli said the commuter service will use the same rail track as the Gemas-JB EDTP and is expected to be introduced by 2027 or 2028.
He added that introducing a commuter service is part of the government’s strategy to reduce traffic congestion in Johor Baru, providing the public with more transportation options.
“Having a commuter service will help support the Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) which connects Johor Baru and Singapore, allowing the public to use buses, taxis and now, the commuter service, when heading to or from the city area,” Mohamad Fazli said.
“With this in mind, the state government wants to fully optimise the double rail track by introducing a commuter service that able to connect Paloh and JB Sentral as well as Kulai and JB Sentral.”
He added that daily cross-border travel between Johor and Singapore via the Causeway and Second Link currently ranges between 300,000 and 400,000 people.
“With the Malaysian government’s new single immigration clearance system now in place at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar and Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar, movement between Malaysia and Singapore has become more efficient, leveraging facial recognition, QR codes as well as passport verification for faster processing.
“The RTS Link, connecting Bukit Chagar in Johor Baru to Woodlands North in Singapore, is set to be a game-changer,” he said.
Mohamad Fazli said Johor is poised to become a major rail hub in Malaysia.Mohamad Fazli added that the RTS is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026 and will be fully operational by Jan 1, 2027, accommodating up to 10,000 passengers per trip.
He also said that discussions are underway to introduce a single immigration clearance system for the RTS to facilitate smoother cross-border movement between both countries.
The Bukit Pasir assemblyman stated that as part of efforts to ease traffic congestion in Johor Baru, particularly with the RTS nearing completion, an elevated Automated Rapid Transit (E-ART) system has been proposed for the city.
“The state government is considering the E-ART system along three key corridors – Iskandar Puteri, Skudai and Tebrau – with the Iskandar Puteri line.
“Several companies have expressed interest in bidding for the E-ART project, with the Transport Ministry and the Public-Private Partnership Unit currently finalising the work scope before opening the bidding process.
“The state government is hopeful that the E-ART project will commence soon, especially as the RTS Link remains on track for completion next year.
“Together with the Gemas-JB EDTP, RTS Link, commuter service and hopefully the E-ART, Johor will be recognised as a rail hub in the country,” Mohamad Fazli added.
Meanwhile, Forest City is strengthening its role as a major transportation hub in southern Johor, supporting the growth of the Special Financial Zone (SFZ) and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
As part of its long-term strategy, Forest City aims to expand beyond its existing road network by incorporating rail connectivity to enhance accessibility and economic integration in the region.
Country Garden Pacificview Sdn Bhd Deputy President Syarul Izam Sarifudin said that with major rail projects such as the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) and Johor Baru’s proposed E-ART system under discussion, Forest City is positioning itself as a key player in the region’s evolving transportation landscape.
“Whether it’s the highly anticipated revival of the HSR or the proposed development of the E-ART in Johor Baru, government agencies are working to advance these projects.
“Forest City looks forward to participating in these initiatives,” he said.
