Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the current Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) service will be extended to connect with the Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system to reduce traffic. ― Picture by Saw Siow Feng

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 13 ― Malaysia and Singapore plan to extend the commuter service between them via the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the current Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) service will be extended to connect with Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system to reduce traffic.

“This is an improvement in the KTM service between Johor Baru and Singapore.

“Increase in frequency and volume so that we can reduce the congestion that people [are] facing in the causeway. It will also reduce pollution,” he said during a press conference today.

Najib added that both countries will be looking to build a “high bridge” to facilitate the KTM-MRT extension, which he said was the most “cost efficient” method.

“We've agreed to a solution. The RTS will involve a high bridge solution. This will be integrated underground with Singapore MRT,” he said, adding that there wouldn't be any hassle in implementing the project

“We don't foresee that significant problems with RTS project,” Najib explained.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong meanwhile said that the RTS project will be integrated with the upcoming MRT's Thomson-East Coast Line.

He added that a bilateral agreement is expected to be inked with Putrajaya by the end of next year on the project.

The RTS Link will be connecting Bukit Chagar, Johor Baru, in Malaysia and Woodlands North in Singapore.

The RTS Link system is to be operated by a corporate entity and the fares will be market based and set by the operator. The governments will not be involved in regulating the price.