ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has called for faster approvals for a rail transit system to integrate with the upcoming Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, stressing the need for seamless connectivity ahead of its launch.
He said the Federal Government must give greater attention and support to such projects to ensure Johor is prepared for increased movement and to ease traffic congestion.
“There is a pressing need to ensure Johor is ready to handle the rising movement of people.
“I hope all considerations and approvals can be expedited so that the state’s public transport system can truly support economic growth and the well-being of Bangsa Johor,” he said when opening the Johor state assembly at Kota Iskandar yesterday.
The RTS Link, slated to begin operations on Jan 1, 2027, is expected to transform daily commutes for the estimated 350,000 people who cross the Causeway, one of the world’s busiest border crossings.
The system is designed to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, with projected daily ridership of 40,000.
It was reported that the Johor government had proposed implementing the Automated Rapid Transit project on key alignments first, pending federal approval.
Tunku Ismail also reiterated his call for Putrajaya to return at least 25% of tax revenue collected from Johor, noting that the state remains one of the country’s top contributors.
“However, the allocation it receives does not reflect the state’s development needs and the welfare of its people.
“This is important to enable Johor to manage the needs of its people more efficiently, without relying entirely on lengthy approval processes,” he said, adding that the state should be given space to stand more independently.
He highlighted that Johor recorded total investments of RM272bil, including a record RM110bil last year, the highest ever achieved by any state in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Tunku Ismail acknowledged that many are still grappling with rising living costs and economic pressures.
“In this regard, I commend the Johor government for implementing Bantuan Kasih Johor, which has benefited more than 550,000 Johoreans regardless of religion, race or background.
“I hope the initiative will continue to be strengthened and expanded,” he said.
