ISKANDAR PUTERI, November 27 — Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, the Menteri Besar of Johor, has called upon the Malaysian government to accelerate the implementation of the High-Speed Rail (HSR) project connecting Malaysia and Singapore, along with the light rail transit (LRT) system in Johor Baru. This appeal is aimed at fostering economic growth in Johor in alignment with the state’s development agenda. Onn Hafiz stressed that upgrading the public transport system, particularly in Johor Baru’s city center, would complement the state’s economic development ecosystem.
He urged the federal government to give priority to the HSR and LRT project applications in Johor Baru, especially in light of the establishment of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and the Forest City special financial zone (SFZ). Highlighting the significance of the SEZ and SFZ for the state’s development, Onn Hafiz expressed hope that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the governments of Singapore and Malaysia would be signed on January 11 next year. He envisioned the signing of the agreement within six months from that date, with implementation expected in early 2025.
The HSR project, initially agreed upon in December 2016, covering a distance of 350 kilometers, faced delays and was officially halted in January last year after the agreement expired on December 31, 2020. Meanwhile, plans for an LRT system in Johor Baru were under consideration, with a private company proposing the construction to enhance the state capital’s transport system coordination. The Menteri Besar’s appeal underscores the vital role of efficient transportation infrastructure in driving economic development, and the timely execution of these projects is crucial for Johor’s progress and integration into regional economic initiatives.
