Eating and shopping in Johor Bahru (JB) is great, but getting there, not so much.
Even if you can live with the jams, travelling on a bus means having a big sweaty group hug with fifty other strangers.
That’s why in 2018, the Singapore and Malaysia governments signed a bilateral agreement to build the Rapid Transit System (RTS) from Woodlands in Singapore to Bukit Chagar in Johor, aiming to alleviate congestion at the Causeway.
If this sounds chim, it’s basically an MRT ride to JB lah.
But just like your partner who promises to meet your parents soon, Malaysia keeps procrastinating.
First suspended in May 2019
The RTS project was first suspended in May at Malaysia’s request, until 30 Sep. As a result, Malaysia had to reimburse Singapore over S$600,000 in abortive costs.
Now, remember, it’s just suspended and not aborted.
Then, just four months later, Malaysia requested a further extension of the deadline to 31 Oct, which Singapore granted. This time, though, Singapore didn’t make any demands for financial reimbursement.
And ta-da: It’s 31 October 2019 today.
Steady, or not steady?
Third extension?
Today, The Star, an English-language newspaper in Malaysia, ran an article claiming Malaysia will request another six-month extension to review the RTS Link project, after they failed to come to a decision by the 31 Oct deadline.
According to The Star, this latest request for a six-month extension was made known to Singapore on Monday (28 Oct).
They claimed that the transport ministry was unable to resolve certain issues and needed more time for the review.
These issues include the relocation of the RTS depot, currently proposed to be in Singapore, and the rail system to be used.
My heart now:
Oh no you didn’t
Some people got triggered by this article, however, and by some people, I mean Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Loke slammed The Star in a Facebook post, calling the news “misleading” and claiming that the paper had unverified sources.
In other words, it’s fake news.
He added that Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is scheduled to make an announcement on the RTS at 3pm today.
Which he did.
Would it heal my heart? Did you even read the headline, my friend?
RTS Link to proceed
Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Dr Mahathir said that Malaysia will proceed with the construction of the RTS Link, reported CNA.
Everyone in the office:
The Malaysia Prime Minister added that there will be a 36% cut in costs, however. So, the total cost of the project is estimated to be RM3.16 billion (S$1.03 billion), which is RM1.77 billion less than the original cost of RM4.93 billion.
It’s because they can get the land over in JB for – wait, you don’t really care, do you?
What you need to know is this: MRT to JB is real. It’s going to happen, though we don’t know when. 2200 or 2320, maybe, but it’s still going to be a reality.
Malaysia won’t want to scrap the project because if they do, they’ll have to pay Singapore up to RM200 million (S$65 million) for the work that has already been completed by Singapore.
Let’s just hope everything goes smoothly so LTA can stop telling us not to visit JB due to heavy jams.
Watch this for a complete summary of what REALLY happened to Qoo10, and why it's like a K-drama:
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