First Trial Phase Of RTS Link Set To Begin In December Without Passengers - Loke 

JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- The first phase of trials for the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link train project is expected to begin in December, but without the involvement of passengers, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He added that the RTS trains are set to arrive at the Wadi Hana Depot by the middle of this month.

"In the next two weeks, the first train will be sent and taken to the depot. If we go according to the schedule, many will get to see the train in motion in December during the first phase of trials.

"However, the trains won't be open to the public yet because there are some important processes that need to be followed, including system integration and safety tests, before full operation can begin,” he said.

Loke said this after conducting a site visit to the RTS Link project site at the Immigration, Customs and Quarantine (ICQ) Complex in Bukit Chagar here today.

He also said that the Bukit Chagar Station and the ICQ Complex building have been fully completed in terms of structural work.

"The three key components of this project have shown positive progress, with the RTS Link Depot at 90 per cent completion, the Bukit Chagar Station at 73 per cent and the ICQ Complex at 76.8 per cent,” he said.

According to Loke, the RTS Link, which will connect Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru and Woodlands North in Singapore, is still targeted for completion by Dec 31, 2026, and fully operational in January 2027.

"This project is a massive and complex effort involving two countries. I will monitor its progress every three months to ensure all obstacles can be overcome effectively,” he said.

Meanwhile, RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO) chief executive officer Dr Ahmad Marzuki Ariffin said all systems and operational works for the RTS Link Project have achieved 65 per cent progress and are on schedule.

According to him, the system is currently at a crucial phase, with the first train expected to arrive at the Wadi Hana Depot in the middle of this month.

"The first train will be brought in from the Singapore Rail Test Track, and three more sets of trains that are in Batu Gajah will be brought to the RTS depot in Johor Bahru later this month. Overall, the project involves eight sets of trains, each with four coaches.

"The project is progressing smoothly because both governments - Malaysia and Singapore - are closely coordinating and monitoring the work that is going on. This enables the project to be completed as scheduled,” he said.

He added that, so far, no issues have cropped up to affect the project's implementation schedule, with all parties, including Malaysia and Singapore, fully cooperating to ensure a smooth work system.

Commenting on the trial run, he said that fault-free test runs are expected to be conducted next July until all system integration tests are completed.

"July to December 2026 will be a crucial period for the implementation of comprehensive tests, involving multiple agencies, including customs, immigration and security, from both countries,” he said.

-- BERNAMA