RM10b ART project proof of federal commitment to Johor - Loke

 

JOHOR BARU: The federal government plays an important role in developing Johor, particularly in strengthening connectivity and the transportation system, including through the Automated Rapid Transit (ART) System project worth more than RM10 billion recently approved by the Cabinet, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He said a project of such scale, aimed at supporting the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link service, requires detailed scrutiny and comprehensive studies before implementation.

"Some parties say we were slow (in approving it), but of course we need time to study it. This is not a RM10,000 project, but a RM10 billion one, so we need time to carefully examine how we are going to implement it.

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"But while the ART is not yet available, we have a backup plan. We are increasing buses in Johor Bahru to disperse RTS Link passengers," he said.

Loke, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) deputy chairman, said this while speaking at the PH Convention at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre here, which was also attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and PH leaders.

Loke, who is also DAP secretary-general, said the RTS Link project, which is nearly 90 per cent completed, was also able to progress due to the prime minister's full support and the ministry's efforts, especially in helping to resolve land issues and problems involving contractors.

"I know some parties say this project was initiated by the Barisan Nasional (BN) government. Yes, it started in 2018, but when we took over the federal government in 2022, many problems had yet to be resolved, there were problematic contractors and the project was almost abandoned," he said.

He said the RTS Link, expected to begin operations in January next year, would become a catalyst for various development projects in Johor, while enhancing transportation connectivity between Johor Baru and Singapore.

He said transportation development in Johor can also be seen through several other projects successfully implemented under the prime minister's leadership, including the Gemas–Johor Baru Double-Tracking Project, the Johor Baru Sentral (JB Sentral)-Segamat Electric Train Service (ETS), as well as efforts to ensure smooth operations at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complexes at the state's border entry points.

In this regard, Loke said the achievements and rapid development in Johor driven by the federal government should be highlighted to the people ahead of the next state election.

Last December, Loke said approval for the ART project was under discussion and details regarding its implementation would be finalised in the near future.

The proposed ART project in Johor Baru involves 32 stations with a route spanning more than 50km and was initially estimated to cost about RM7 billion.

– Bernama