Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching has urged the government to replace the cancelled Singapore-Kuala Lumpur High-Speed Rail (HSR) project with smaller transport development projects in greater Johor Baru.

"Our cabinet has decided to scrap the HSR. I believe this is a painful but right decision in view of the financial status of our nation.

"However, I urge the government to consider replacing HSR with some smaller but more economical projects that would improve the public transport in greater Johor Baru," Teo said in a statement today.

Among her proposals for such projects include building a walkalator (a moving walkway) on the 1.7-kilometre Causeway to ease the traffic.

Around 300,000 people walk between Malaysia and Singapore every day, she said, and a walkalator would ease their burden.

The government could also look into upgrading part of the existing KTM non-electrified tracks and connect it with Singapore via Gelang Patah or Nusajaya and Jurong East.

She also suggested extending the Gemas to Johor Baru Electric Train System (ETS) line to Singapore.

Malaysia already has an existing two-way ETS to the north and Teo hopes that the Transport Ministry can consider extending the line to connect to Singapore.

Another proposal would be to bring forward the completion date of the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) link, she said.

"I am delighted to know that our Transport Minister Anthony Loke has reaffirmed our commitment to implement the project.

"But it will be better if we can fast-track this project because it will definitely make border crossing less of a hassle and more efficient by reducing congestion on the Causeway by up to 15 percent," Teo said.

The agreement between Malaysia and Singapore, inked in January this year, was to build the RTS Link by 2024.

The proposed rail project will connect Bukit Chagar in Johor Baru with Woodlands, Singapore, in 30 minutes.

"The population in the greater Johor Baru area has surpassed 1.5 million and we desperately need a rail-based public transport system to improve the quality of life.

"So, please, don't just scrap HSR but also consider using the money saved from the project to improve the public transport system in greater Johor Baru," Teo said.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced the cancellation of the HSR project on Monday, saying that it was not beneficial to Malaysia.