Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that the Federal Government plays an important role in Johor’s development, particularly in strengthening connectivity and the transportation system, including through the Automated Rapid Transit (ART) System project worth more than RM10 billion, which was recently approved by the Cabinet.
He stated that a project of this magnitude, aimed at supporting the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link service, necessitates meticulous scrutiny and extensive research prior to implementation.
“Some parties claim we were slow to approve it, but we obviously need time to study it. This is not an RM10,000 project, but rather a RM10 billion one, so we need time to carefully consider how we will implement it.
“Although the ART is not yet available, we have a backup plan. We are increasing the number of buses in Johor Bahru to help disperse RTS Link passengers,” he said.
Loke, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) deputy chairman, made the remarks while speaking at the PH Convention at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre, which was also attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and PH leaders.
Loke, who is also the DAP secretary-general, stated that the RTS Link project, which is nearly 90% complete, was able to move forward thanks to the prime minister’s full support and the ministry’s efforts, particularly in resolving land issues and contractor problems.
“I understand that some parties claim that the Barisan Nasional (BN) government initiated this project. Yes, it began in 2018, but when we took over the Federal Government in 2022, many issues remained unresolved, there were problematic contractors, and the project was nearly abandoned,” he explained.
He stated that the RTS Link, which is expected to begin operations in January of next year, will serve as a catalyst for various development projects in Johor while improving transportation connectivity between Johor Bahru and Singapore.
He stated that transport development in Johor can be seen in several other projects successfully implemented under the prime minister’s leadership, including the Gemas-Johor Bahru Double-Tracking Project, the Johor Bahru 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 stated that the Federal Government’s achievements and rapid development in Johor should be highlighted to the public before the next state election.
Last December, Loke stated that approval for the ART project was being discussed, and that details about its implementation would be finalised shortly.
The proposed ART project in Johor Bahru includes 32 stations along a route that spans more than 50 kilometres and was initially estimated to cost around RM7 billion.
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