KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 25): Malaysia will lead the rapid transit system (RTS) project between Johor Baru and Woodlands North in Singapore, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department
Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan said, with plans to call for open tenders for construction in the country in 2018.
The cost of the RTS will also be finalised by the end of the year once its design is agreed by the operating company (OpCo), he added.
Abdul Rahman also said there has been no decision on the shareholding of OpCo, which will design, build, finance, operate and maintain and renew the RTS link operating assets such as trains, tracks and systems.
"However, the OpCo would not be held on a 50:50 ratio as it would impede on the decision-making process.
"There could be a deadlock in decisions or agreements if it [is] held on 50:50 ratio. We are approaching this issue on a 'brotherly' manner where both parties have agreed that one of them has a slight majority so it is easier to carry out the RTS moving forward," he told reporters today after witnessing a memorandum of understanding between Malaysian government-linked corporation Prasarana Malaysia Bhd and Singapore-owned SMRT Corp Ltd to set up an OpCo to run the RTS.
"Of course, both countries agree that neither party can carry out the project on its own or impose its will. However, we don't expect any issues.
"At the end of the day, there are mechanisms to overcome the issues at ministerial level. If it is still not resolved at our level, then our prime ministers would be able to resolve the problem," Abdul Rahman said.
Asked if debt-laden Prasarana is able to operate the link, its chief executive officer Datuk Seri Azmi Abdul Aziz said the government will issue a guarantee for it to raise the funds via the market.
"On us being a going-concern, we are going through a transformation programme now. What is important is how we can get all public transportation infrastructure up so that it can serve the public and reduce unnecessary congestion that would choke the city.
"That is something we have to look at in ensuring and deploying public transport infrastructure will be off the ground as soon as possible so that the people can enjoy the investment of the government," Azmi added.
Prasarana, which had chalked up a debt of RM18 billion in 2015 and a higher figure is projected for 2016, currently operates three light rail transit systems and a monorail line, as well as Mass Rapid Transit Line 1. It also runs the Al-Mashaer Al Mugaddasah Metro Southern Line and the Makkah Shadow Operator in Saudi Arabia.
Abdul Rahman also said there are alternatives to the Johor-side alignment, which was an issue of contention with Johor's Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, but over in Singapore, the alignment is confirmed.
"I met with Sultan Johor last week and some of his perception was based on third party views. We gave him our story, and took heed [of] his views on the alignment. I don't see any other issue, and assured him that I will brief him from time to time," he said.
He noted that the design includes proposal for a high bridge, low bridge, perpendicular, diagonal or even parallel to the Causeway.
"We will finalise it by the end of the year. We are mobilising double the resources to finalise the technical details. We don't see any objection from Singapore's side," he added.
Abdul Rahman said while Bukit Chagar in Johor Baru has been identified as the site for the station, there has been no decision on how to get there as there are different routes.
The 4km-long link over the Tebrau Channel is expected to begin next year following a round of tenders for construction, and is projected for operation in 2024.
When completed, the rail — seen as the fourth link after two vehicular bridges and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd's railway service — is expected to transport some 10,000 commuters per hour each way, and reduce traffic congestion.