SINGAPORE: Singapore welcomes Malaysia's decision to proceed with the construction of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project, its Ministry of Transport (MOT) said on Thursday (Oct 31).
The comments came after Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said at a press conference earlier in the day that the project will go ahead, with the estimated cost cut by about one-third.
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The announcement ended months of uncertainty over the deal. Last May, Singapore and Malaysia agreed to suspend works on the RTS link, which would address the traffic congestion on the Causeway, until Sep 30.
As part of the agreement, Malaysia agreed to reimburse Singapore around S$600,000 in abortive costs.
In September, the suspension was extended at no extra cost for another month to Oct 31.
"Singapore welcomes Malaysia's decision to proceed with the project," said MOT in a press release on Thursday evening.
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READ: JB-Singapore RTS Link to proceed with 36% cost cut – Malaysia PM Mahathir
"Both sides are now discussing the changes to the project, which Malaysia is proposing in order to reduce the project cost.
"As the changes will require amendments to the RTS Link Agreement, the discussions will take some time. Both sides are working hard on this," it added.
A spokesperson said in response to queries from CNA that it has requested further details from Malaysia on the proposed changes.
In his press conference, Dr Mahathir said that hRead More – Source
