KLUANG: The implementation of public transport projects such as the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Johor has to take into account various factors, especially in terms of the country's financial capabilities.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the government has no problem with supporting infrastructure development in the state, but it has to be done in stages.
"We have issue with supporting it, but it may not be easy in terms of implementation. Various factors have to be taken into account including cost," he told reporters after officiating the Johor DAP 2023 annual convention here.
Loke was asked to comment on a statement by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, whom during the tabling of the 2024 Johor Budget last month, had hoped that the HSR and LRT projects would be implemented soon to complete the state's transport ecosystem and help make Johor a major regional investment destination.
Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, in an interview with Singapore's Straits Times on Sunday, had called for the HSR project to be revived.
He said it can be financed via a private funded initiative, in which the government pays the contractor to manage the project for 30 years under a leasing agreement. This, he said, would enable the contractor to recoup the investment before the government takes back ownership of the HSR.
Sultan Ibrahim also suggested that the HSR run through the Forest City project in Johor.
On the HSR, Loke said his ministry is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) to study private sector proposals for the project.
"In terms of funding, it has to be based on private sector financing. It is up to the private sector. We are now waiting for the proposal papers from the sector," said Loke.
Before this, MyHSR Corporation Sdn Bhd was quoted as saying that the deadline for the RFI submission on the HSR project had been extended to Jan 15, 2024 from the original date of Nov 15, 2023.
As for the LRT, Loke said the project planning needs to be studied in detail first.
"The first is cost, followed by network, including the technical aspects. This will be discussed further between the federal and state governments," he said.
On another development, Loke said Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) will restructure its fare for the Tebrau Shuttle train service in Johor Bahru to Woodlands, Singapore, at a rate of RM5 both ways, for Malaysians from next year.
He said at present, the rate is RM5 from Johor Bahru to Woodlands and SGD$5 from Woodlands to Johor Bahru.
"KTMB yesterday suggested this structure change to benefit Malaysians, so we are fixing a single rate at RM5.
"This will greatly benefit those who rely on the shuttle and I welcome the move. I will bring this sot the Land Public Transport Commission (APAD) and hope it can be implemented early next year."
He said although the Tebrau Shuttle service will end once the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit Link (RTS) System is completed in 2027, the three years in the interim can still benefit many, especially Malaysians working in Singapore.