PETALING JAYA: The final design review for the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) is expected to be concluded by July, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       The Transport Minister met with a delegation from SMRT Corp Ltd and RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO) during their two-day visit to Malaysia.

       "Everyone is on board and putting in 100% to bring the project to fruition, which stands at 27.36% completion overall with work package contractors expected to conclude the Final Design Review (FDR) by July 2022.

       "I'm happy to note that during the FDR stage now, we are in the process of harmonising regulatory requirements for both Malaysia and Singapore. Prasarana, SMRT, and RTS Operations are currently engaging with our Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) and Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) on this," he said on his Facebook page on Tuesday (June 14).

       He added that a bilateral committee was also working on customs, immigration, and quarantine matters linked to the project.

       "I took the opportunity to urge the teams to keep on schedule to ensure we can start the train service safely on Jan 1, 2027. We also want to ensure that this project continues to be done for the good of both countries' people without burdening their pockets too much.

       "The strong collaboration between Prasarana and SMRT in providing seamless travel, short journey times, and good connectivity through RTS Link will do much to further enhance the ties between Malaysia and Singapore. This collaboration will also pave the way forward to future cooperation in new projects," he said.

       The Singaporean delegation was led by SMRT Corp chairman Seah Moon Ming.