JB-Singapore RTS Link to go ahead but further suspended to April 2020: Khaw

SINGAPORE: The suspension of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project has been extended to Apr 30, 2020, said Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Monday (Nov 4).

This comes after Malaysia said on Oct 31 it would proceed with the construction of the RTS Link project, with a 36 per cent cost cut.

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While the decision has been made to go ahead with the project, Malaysia was not yet ready to share the details of their proposed changes with Singapore, Mr Khaw said in a written response to parliamentary questions about the RTS by Member of Parliament Ang Wei Neng.

"Without the details, Malaysia's proposal is incomplete and Singapore is unable to make a thorough assessment of the technical and commercial feasibility of the proposal."

Mr Khaw said in his written response that on Oct 29, Malaysia had requested a further extension of the suspension period by six months to Apr 30, 2020.

"In the spirit of bilateral cooperation, Singapore agreed to Malaysias request to further extend the suspension period," Mr Khaw said.

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READ: Singapore welcomes Malaysia's decision to proceed with JB-Singapore RTS Link

READ: JB-Singapore RTS Link to proceed with 36% cost cut: Malaysia PM Mahathir

In May, Singapore and Malaysia agreed to suspend the construction of the RTS Link until Sep 30 at Malaysias request.

Both sides then agreed to extend the deadline for an additional month, until Oct 31, when Malaysia announced that the project would proceed.

"Singapore welcomes Malaysias decision to proceed with the RTS Link Project. This is a mutually beneficial project for both countries. The RTS Link will significantly ease Causeway congestion, facilitate business and tourism, and bring our people closer together," said Mr Khaw.

"While we are not obliged to accept Malaysias proposed changes, we will continue to keep an open miRead More – Source