KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has confirmed that the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link (RTS) project would go ahead.
He however said the government would need more time, before it could proceed with the project, which was suspended until end of the month.
“We will announce the details later. As for the (KL-Singapore) High Speed Rail, we have to postpone it by two years because the cost is too high.
“We can’t afford it because of the staggering debts left by the previous government,” he told reporters after launching the National Transport Policy today.
It was reported the suspension date for the project was extended from Sept 30, following request by the Malaysian government, citing the need for more time to decide on the matter.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke was reported as saying that the discussion with his Singapore counterpart Khaw Boon Wan on the project would be finalised soon.
He said an announcement on the project would be made later this month.
The RTS project was scheduled to begin construction this year and was expected to be completed by December 2024.