JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 3 — 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.
"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 will not 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 was speaking to the press after conducting a site visit to the RTS Link project site at the Immigration, Customs, and Quarantine (ICQ) Complex in Bukit Chagar today.
He added 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.
Loke noted that the RTS Link, which will connect Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru and Woodlands North in Singapore, is still targeted for completion by December 31, 2026, and will be 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 Ahmad Marzuki Ariffin said all systems and operational works for the RTS Link Project have achieved 65 per cent progress and are on schedule.
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.
Marzuki said 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,” Marzuki said.
