ISKANDAR PUTERI: Delayed rollout of the proposed Elevated Automated Rapid Transit (E-ART) system could worsen traffic congestion in Johor Baru once the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link begins operations next year, says Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
The Johor Mentri Besar said the E-ART project, proposed almost two years ago to help disperse traffic, has yet to show progress despite rising concerns over traffic flow.
He said the infrastructure is needed ahead of the RTS Link’s expected completion by the end of this year and the start of operations on Jan 1 next year.
“Although the Federal Government has short-term traffic dispersal plans in place, many rakyat are still waiting for the E-ART project to ease congestion in the city.
“I hope the Perling assemblyman, who is the Deputy Finance Minister (Liew Chin Tong), could help expedite the project,” he said at the state assembly meeting yesterday.
The RTS Link is a 4km shuttle service connecting Bukit Chagar in Johor Baru to Woodlands in Singapore.
The system is designed to handle up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, with a projected daily ridership of 40,000.
Onn Hafiz also highlighted other projects previously announced by Putrajaya that have yet to progress despite being announced one or two years ago.
These include the proposed Hospital Sultanah Aminah 2 and a teaching hospital complex in Kota Tinggi, which he said were still awaiting budget disbursement.
He added that such delays reinforced Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim’s call for at least 25% of tax revenue collected from Johor to be returned to the state government.
“Give some flexibility and space for the state government to manage the returns for the benefit of the people.
“Johor is capable of managing the funds responsibly if greater fiscal autonomy is given to the state. Strict audits could be carried out to ensure there is no leakage or wastage.”
