JOHOR BAHRU (April 3): Transport Minister Anthony Loke on Friday said Malaysia has not paid any compensation to Singapore for the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which is scheduled for completion by end-2026, with operations slated to start January 2027.

He added that concerns over potential penalties are unfounded, with the project progressing smoothly despite typical implementation challenges.

"I am here today to assure that the project is progressing smoothly. While there are challenges and issues — which are normal for any infrastructure project — these are being actively managed, and all parties have committed to taking the necessary mitigation steps to ensure the project is completed on time," he told reporters during a site visit to the Bukit Chagar RTS station on Friday.

Loke said the project has reached an advanced stage, with key structural and system components already in place, including the installation of passenger service doors and the arrival of trains at the station.

He added that the customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) complex is nearing completion, with e-gates fully installed and body scanners and baggage screening systems currently being set up.

The facility will feature 10 security screening lanes, 18 baggage scanners and 100 e-gate lanes, including dedicated lanes for passengers without luggage.

Loke said the project is now entering its most critical phase of testing and commissioning, which will cover system installation, integration and dynamic testing before final readiness assessments.

He said fault-free run (FFR) is expected to begin in September, followed by trial operations, with all processes targeted for completion by year-end.

“I would like to express my appreciation to all parties involved, as this is a highly complex and challenging project that goes beyond physical construction to include system installation and integration across multiple components, including trains, signalling and CIQ operations.

"Despite these challenges, I am satisfied that the contractors are taking the necessary mitigation measures to ensure the project is delivered on schedule,” he said.

While acknowledging that there are some issues typical of large-scale infrastructure projects, Loke did not confirm whether they involve system providers Siemens and China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC).

He noted that both companies have committed to mitigation measures to ensure delivery stays on schedule, amid ongoing integration challenges across multiple systems.

The same suppliers are also involved in the delayed LRT3 project, where Siemens provides signalling systems while CRRC supplies rolling stock.

Loke said trial runs have already begun over the past few months, with trains undergoing continuous testing phases ahead of full operations.

He added that he will visit Singapore later this month to meet his counterpart and review progress on the Woodlands North station to ensure alignment on both sides of the border.

The 4km RTS Link connects Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru to Woodlands North in Singapore.

The four-car train sets will complete the journey in about six minutes, with a maximum operating speed of 80km/h.

The system has the capacity to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, with trains running at intervals of 3.6 minutes during peak periods.

Maintenance and stabling operations will be handled at a dedicated depot in Wadi Hana, Johor Bahru.

First proposed in 2010 with an initial 2018 completion target, the RTS Link project has faced multiple delays due to cost reviews, scope changes and pandemic-related disruptions. The project was later restructured into a standalone LRT system, with the maintenance depot relocated to Wadi Hana.

Read also:
Loke: Malaysia may subsidise RTS Link season passes, limited to Malaysians