Malaysia and Singapore need 18 months to decide on the best option for the proposed Rapid Transit System (RTS) said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nor Mohamed Yakcop.     

He said both countries were in the process of identifying consultants to carry out a study to determine the most viable option for the project and alternative option to link both countries.     

"We want the consultant to study the most viable option, for example what will be the cost for Option A, Option B or Option C. Now we have an option to include underground road link.     

"So, maybe there are other options. The consultant will carry out the study and both Malaysia and Singapore will then make a decision in 18 months," he told reporters after closing an Angling Carnival at Pantai Bersih, Butterworth today.     

Last Thursday, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said Malaysia and Singapore are examining the prospect of expanding the scope of the proposed Rapid Transit System (RTS) between Singapore and Johor Baharu to include underground road link between the two countries.

- Bernama