JOHOR BARU: The Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link), slated for completion at the end of 2026, is expected to have a huge impact on Johor's future development.

       Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said work on the railway shuttle link is progressing well and the service is expected to begin operations on Jan 1, 2027.

       "I had a discussion with the Singapore Transport Minister last week and he told me that their progress is ongoing, too.

       "Our progress is more than 10% completed and the immediate task is to relocate the utility services. Once that is done, the progress will be quick.

       "I believe in the next 30 months, the civil structure can be completed and the subsequent period will be dedicated to system and signalling works, rolling stock and customs, immigration and quarantine issues, which will run concurrently," he said after visiting the Johor Baru Hakka Association new building development at Jalan Tampoi here on Thursday (May 26).

       He said the RTS Link would undoubtedly have a huge impact on Johoreans as the frequent trains would improve ties between Malaysia and Singapore.

       "This is especially for those who commute daily to the island republic for work as well as tourists who visit Johor Baru to spend and for tourism purposes," he added.

       With a capacity of 10,000 passengers per hour each way, the RTS Link will provide easy and comfortable transportation between Johor Baru and Singapore in just five minutes.

       The project, which was meant to be completed in 2024, was suspended and work resumed on July 30, 2020.