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THE government remains confident that the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System Link will be fully completed by December this year, paving the way for passenger operations to begin in January 2027, as the cross-border rail project enters a critical phase of system installation and testing.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the project is currently focused on installing key operational systems, including train control, signalling and station systems, all of which are essential to ensure the safety and reliability of services once operations commence.
He said comprehensive system testing will be carried out over the coming months, stressing that this phase is crucial before the RTS can be opened to the public.
“This testing phase is very important because without full testing, the RTS cannot operate. In Johor Bahru, trains have already begun testing and are running on the tracks,” he said at a press conference after the launch of the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Youth Institute initiative in Petaling Jaya.
At the same briefing, Anthony said the government is preparing to introduce new legislation to enable the implementation of a co-location concept for Customs, Immigration and Quarantine facilities between Malaysia and Singapore.
He said the proposed law will be brought forward by the Home Ministry and is expected to be tabled at the next parliamentary sitting. Under the co-location arrangement, Singapore Immigration officers will be stationed at the Bukit Chagar RTS station in Johor Bahru, while Malaysian Immigration officers will be based at Woodlands in Singapore.
Anthony expressed confidence that the bill could be passed this year after going through both the Dewan Rakyat and the Dewan Negara.
“This is the result of very important bilateral cooperation to ensure the effectiveness of the RTS system,” he said.
On the broader development of the Bukit Chagar area, Anthony said the government is drawing inspiration from transit-oriented development models such as those in Hong Kong, with an emphasis on integrated buildings and interconnected pedestrian walkways.
“The government cannot force building owners, but we encourage cooperation because good connectivity will increase property values and make access to Bukit Chagar Station more convenient,” he said.
He added that discussions have already been held with major building owners and MRT Corp Property to strengthen pedestrian and infrastructure linkages in the area, as part of efforts to maximise the RTS’s economic and urban impact. - January 15, 2026
