Our Cabinet has decided to scrap KL-Singapore High-Speed Rail. 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 JB.
Here are some of the proposals for the consideration of our Government.
- Building a walkalator on the 1.7km Causeway to ease the traffic and cost burden of Causeway users.
- Upgrading part of the existing KTM non-electrified tracks and connect it to Singapore via Gelang Patah / Nusajaya and Jurong East. Increase the frequency of KTM communicator between Singapore and Malaysia custom.
- Bring forward the completion date of JB-Spore Rapid Transit System (RTS) link. Malaysia and Singapore inked an agreement on January this year to build RTS Link by 2024. The proposed rail project will connect Bukit Chagar, Johor Bahru to Woodland, Singapore in 30 minutes.
- Extending Gemas – JB ETS to Singapore.
Around 300,000 people walk between Malaysia and Singapore everyday. A walkalotor would be able to benefit them.
I am delighted to know that our Minister of Transport Anthony Loke Siew Hook 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 hassle and more efficient by reducing congestion on the Causeway by up to 15 per cent.
We already have electrified 2 way ETS to north. We hope MOT can consider extending Gemas – JB ETS to connect Singapore.
Population in the greater JB 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 to use the money saved from the project to improve the public transport system in greater JB.