JOHOR BARU: The Government is looking at introducing the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system in other parts of the country, depending on the needs and viability of respective cities.

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi said if there was such a need for it in Johor Baru, for instance, then the MRT could be built here since railways were the future of transportation in the country.

“We are carrying out a transformation plan for the rail system, which is quite extensive.

“The Government wants to link all cities in the country by train to make sure our economy is able to grow at a fast pace, which is possible when we have a system that can transport people as well as goods,” he said.

This was also the main reason the Government was pushing for the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) and East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), he added.

Abdul Aziz was speaking to reporters after officiating the Netherlands Maritime Institute of Technology’s (NMIT) fourth convocation ceremony at Persada International Convention Centre.

It was reported earlier that tram services were being considered here as part of the city centre transformation project to rejuvenate and rehabilitate Johor Baru.

The tram services could be part of the integrated public transportation services in south Johor, including the Rapid Transit Bus and Rapid Transit System linking Johor Baru and Singapore, according to the Iskandar Regional Development Authority.

At the event, Abdul Aziz congratulated NMIT and the graduates, who would soon play a key role in Malaysia’s maritime industry.

He said the industry was growing with the Straits of Malacca being one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, as well as the expansion of major ports in the country.

“There is a big shortage of local skilled workforce in the maritime industry.

“Currently, locals account for 20% of the total workforce in the industry, which has been identified by the Government as one of the key economic sectors for Malaysia.

“China’s Belt and Road initiative will expand the role of the maritime industry even further as there are plans for goods to travel via sea from China to Malaysia,” he said.