Syed Saddiq warns the Johor-Singapore RTS link may create severe human congestion at Bukit Chagar without urgent traffic dispersion measures.
PETALING JAYA: Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muda) warned that the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) link could create severe congestion at Bukit Chagar if traffic dispersion measures are not implemented urgently.
During the Dewan Rakyat sitting in the evening session, Syed said the project’s capacity (following the tabling of the RTS Link Bill 2026) must be matched with proper infrastructure planning.
“If the RTS is integrated with a strong public transport network in Johor Bahru and Bukit Chagar, it can become an economic catalyst for Johor and a time-saver for the people.
“During peak hours, over a two-hour period, we could see 20,000 people entering through the RTS alone.
“Currently, there are already around 10,000 people entering via buses and taxis during peak hours. That means at one time, we could have 30,000 people concentrated in one place,” he said.
Syed said that even under a best-case scenario without immigration delays, congestion nwould remain a serious risk.
“Imagine there are no passport issues and no long waiting times at immigration. Once people exit Bukit Chagar, we will see humancongestion jammed shoulder to shoulder because there is no effective traffic dispersion system.”
While expressing strong support for the project, he cautioned against merely shifting congestion from the Johor-Singapore Causeway to another location.
“I support this project 110%. But what I do not want to see is traffic being moved from the Causeway to Bukit Chagar, not solving the problem but making it worse.”
He also raised concerns over delays to proposed supporting infrastructure.
“The proposed sky bus has been delayed. It is estimated to start in 2029 and be completed by 2035. Meanwhile, the RTS is ready and only waiting to begin operations.”
The RTS Link Bill 2026 was tabled for first reading on Feb 9 by Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, with its remaining readings expected before the current Dewan Rakyat session (February to March) ends.
The bill implements Malaysia’s bilateral agreement with Singapore on joint Customs, Immigration and Quarantine clearance at Bukit Chagar and Woodlands North, granting reciprocal enforcement powers.
These include document checks, searches and arrests, as well as cross-border incident management and jurisdiction over trains in transit.
The Sun Malaysia
