SINGAPORE: Transport cooperation between Singapore and Malaysia was further enhanced over the past week amid the COVID-19 pandemic following the conclusion of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link Grantor Agreement on Nov 24.
The agreement stipulates the responsibilities of the grantors in carrying out their roles and obligations with respect to matters related to the concession agreement which was concluded on July 30, 2020 when the RTS Link Project was successfully resumed.
The grantors are the Land Transport Authority of Singapore and Malaysia's Ministry of Transport (MOT) - the two concession authorities for both governments.
Apart from that, travel between the two countries has also been given a boost with the launch of the air and land vaccinated travel lane (VTL) by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong at the Woodlands checkpoint this morning.
"We very much welcome and applaud these latest milestones in our shared efforts to rejuvenate our economic linkages and reconnect our peoples following the pandemic's impact," said Malaysia's Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong in a joint statement issued here today.
Wee said the journey to realise the RTS Link continues with the Grantor Agreement as a major step in the landmark project's progress.
"We are also pleased with the start of the VTL for land and air travel between Malaysia and Singapore to revitalise our longstanding cultural and economic partnerships across the Causeway," he added.
Wee said the MOT will continue to work with its Singapore counterpart to continue the momentum to improve transport linkages and cooperation.
The RTS Link is a cross-border rail service between the Singapore station at Woodlands North and the Malaysian station at Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru.
With a large capacity of up to 10,000 passengers per hour per direction and a journey time of about five minutes between the two stations, the RTS Link will provide a fast and convenient way to travel between Singapore and Johor Bahru, when it begins passenger service by the end of 2026.
Singapore's Minister for Transport S Iswaran said the progress made on the RTS Link project and the resumption of air and land travel between the two countries are key to restoring ties and reviving the economies of both countries.
"I look forward to working closely with the Malaysian government and my counterpart Wee to further strengthen transport cooperation and bilateral ties between Singapore and Malaysia," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Nov 29 2021
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong in a joint statement today said the journey to realise the RTS Link continues with the Grantor Agreement as a major step in the landmark project's progress. - BERNAMA
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.