ISKANDAR PUTERI: Forest City is ready to become a key player in the growth of the area as a Special Financial Zone (SFZ) and part of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) by providing a transportation hub.
To achieve this, the company plans to upgrade the existing road transport network and establish a rail network, positioning itself as the southern transportation hub of the country.
“Since 2023, Forest City has collaborated with Causeway Link to establish a bus route linking the area to the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine Complex (CIQ) at the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB), facilitating cross-border commuting between Malaysia and Singapore,” it said.
Country Garden Pacificview Sdn Bhd Deputy President Syarul Izam Sarifudin said that Forest City and Causeway Link will continue working together to enhance public bus services for smoother operations in the area.
The improvements include optimising existing routes between Forest City and key locations such as EduCity, NSK Nusajaya, and Aeon Bukit Indah, as well as increasing bus frequency on the Forest City-Second Link route and introducing a new route between Forest City and Kuala Lumpur, particularly on weekends, it said.
“This route began its trial phase on Feb 12 and became fully operational on Feb 16. Commuters can find more details via the Causeway Link application. With these upgrades, the bus service in Forest City will be better integrated with Johor Bahru’s public transport system, improving accessibility for various groups,” he said.
At the same time, Syarul Izam stated that Forest City is ready to participate should the government decide to revive mega transportation projects, including the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) and the construction of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) or Light Rail Transit (LRT).
Meanwhile, the chairman of the State Works, Transport, Infrastructure, and Communications Committee, Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of roads and public transportation connectivity between SFZ Forest City and JS-SEZ to support the initiatives.
He noted that an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 people cross the international border between Malaysia and Singapore daily via the Johor Causeway and Second Link.
“The single inspection system implemented at both CIQs, namely at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) and KSAB, has commenced operations. This system utilises facial recognition technology alongside QR codes and passports, expediting the immigration clearance process and facilitating smoother travel,” he said.
Mohamad Fazli also highlighted the state government’s plan to develop a transportation network linking SFZ Forest City with JS-SEZ.
He also emphasised the significance of the Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link), which will connect Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru to Woodlands North in Singapore, serving as a catalyst for improved cross-border travel.
“The RTS Link is progressing on schedule and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with full operations commencing on Jan 1, 2027.
“It has a maximum capacity of up to 10,000 passengers per hour, and we are actively planning to implement a single inspection method for immigration clearance between both countries,” he explained.
To further support the RTS Link, he added that a multi-tiered ART system is being planned, covering the Iskandar Puteri Route, Skudai Route, and Tebrau Route. The Iskandar Puteri Route will specifically connect SFZ Forest City with JS-SEZ, enhancing regional connectivity.
He noted that the transportation system is believed to enhance Forest City’s capability as a transportation hub, thereby attracting more domestic and international investments.
“We will work with various stakeholders to ensure that ongoing and planned transportation developments contribute to Johor’s goal of becoming a developed state by 2030,” he concluded.
