Johor PKR rep questions discrepancy in RTS cost
Johor’s Bukit Batu assemblyperson Jimmy Puah has questioned a supposed disparity in the cost of the Rapid Transit System Link project.
He hailed the project as a step forward towards easing traffic congestion on the border between Malaysia and Singapore and improving bilateral ties but took issue with its RM3.7 billion cost to be borne by Malaysia...
Johor’s Bukit Batu assemblyperson Jimmy Puah has questioned a supposed disparity in the cost of the Rapid Transit System Link project.
He hailed the project as a step forward towards easing traffic congestion on the border between Malaysia and Singapore and improving bilateral ties but took issue with its RM3.7 billion cost to be borne by Malaysia.
“This differs greatly from the figure announced by the former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Oct 31, 2019, which was set at RM3.16 billion.
“I hope the honourable minister (Wee Ka Siong) can explain to the public on the increment of RM540 million, also equivalent to 17 percent of the increase in total cost in the space of just nine months.
“The public deserves an answer for this sudden hike in cost,” the Johor PKR deputy chief said in a statement today.
He said he hopes any increase in the cost of the project would not be passed on to end-users, because the fare for the rail link must be kept affordable to the people.
The RTS project had been postponed on several occasions by the previous Pakatan Harapan-led administration, as it sought ways to reduce its high cost.
Earlier today, however, Malaysia and Singapore signed a deal to start the project in early 2021.
Transport Minister Wee said the first phase of the construction would continue until the end of 2024, while the second phase would go on until the end of 2026.
Of the four-kilometre length of the project, 2.7 kilometres will be in Malaysia and 1.3 kilometres will be in Singapore.
Wee said the project is estimated to cost RM10 billion. Malaysia will pay 39 percent of the cost (RM3.716 billion), while the balance will be borne by Singapore.
He added that both governments will decide on the same fare but in their respective currencies, and promised it will not be costly.
