KUALA LUMPUR: The Gemas-Johor Baru Electrified Double-Track Rail Project (Gemas-JB EDTP), which connects to the Padang Besar-Gemas line, is set to begin operations by the third quarter of this year.
The project will cut travel time between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Baru to four and a half hours, down from seven hours by diesel train.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke expressed optimism about the project's impact during a forum at CGS International's 17th Annual Malaysia Corporate Day, chaired by CGS International Securities Malaysia independent board of director Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan.
"This year, there are important projects to be completed as well. The Gemas-Johor Baru Double-Track will be completed this year, and hopefully by the third quarter, we can see the train running from Kuala Lumpur all the way to Johor Baru Central," he said.
Acknowledging the significance of infrastructure development for economic growth, he said: "Besides infrastructure projects, we need political stability and policy certainty.
If we can carry through policies like the Madani Economic Framework and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), along with legislation to support these initiatives, I'm sure this will give a lot of confidence to investors."
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) estimates the completed project will enhance freight transport between Port Klang and the Port of Tanjung Pelepas while serving some 3,000 daily passengers on the Johor Baru-Kuala Lumpur route.
On investments in Sabah and Sarawak, Loke reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to rural development.
"There is a need to build more routes, more bridges, more schools, more clinics, more hospitals — basically, more of everything.
"This is necessary because of the sheer size of the states. Therefore, I foresee that Sabah and Sarawak will continue to receive significant federal government expenditure, especially in terms of rural development," he said.
Loke also acknowledged Sarawak's financial independence and reinvestment into state infrastructure, including a proposed new airport in Kuching.
He said the federal government would still have an obligation to invest in the socioeconomic development of both states.