Latest news with #Gemas-JBEDTP
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Johor's Vision 2030 taking shape
Economic growth evident, progress being made on several key projects JOHOR BARU: Three years after the launch of Maju Johor 2030 vision, the state is beginning to see tangible results across multiple sectors, says Lee Ting Han ( pic ). The Johor investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman said among the most significant signs was the strong growth in the state's economy. 'Over the past three years, Johor has secured approvals for 1,761 investment projects, which are expected to generate more than 53,000 direct job opportunities. 'The arrival of major multinational companies is evidence of Johor's rapid transformation into a high-value, technology-driven economy,' Lee told The Star in an interview about the progress of the initiative that has five years to go. 'With the collective effort of the people, various policies and initiatives under this vision have started to bear fruit, bringing about visible changes and achievements for the state,' added the Paloh assemblyman. The plan revolves around six key pillars – governance, economic development, social safety nets, infrastructure, public safety, health and the environment, and youth empowerment. On the infrastructure front, Lee said progress was being made on several key projects including the widening of the North-South Expressway and Senai-Desaru Expressway. Other projects include the Gemas-Johor Baru Electrified Double Track Rail Project (Gemas-JB EDTP) and the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which connects Bukit Chagar to Woodlands North in Singapore. Lee said future mobility solutions, such as the Elevated Automated Rapid Transit (E-ART) system and upgrades to Senai International Airport would ease traffic congestion and strengthen Johor's role as a regional transport hub. 'In education, the state has launched a pilot school programme where selected students will sit for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams to improve proficiency in English and STEM subjects. 'At the same time, the state has set a target to eradicate hardcore poverty by 2030 through targeted aid. 'Efforts to address housing and healthcare are also underway, with a target to build 100,000 units of affordable homes to cater to young and lower-income residents,' he added. Lee said two strategic initiatives, the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and Forest City Special Financial Zone (FCSFZ), were expected to further transform the state. Visit Johor Year 2026, with its cultural, retail and ecological products will further boost the state's economy. 'These developments form part of a positive report card resulting from our continued implementation of Maju Johor 2030,' he said. However, Lee added that development cannot be celebrated in isolation from the people's lived experiences. He said issues such as recurring floods, unresolved water supply problems and rural students still struggling with access to education remained top concerns. 'The rising cost of living is a reality we cannot ignore,' he said, adding that the voices of ordinary folk, especially those outside the city, were being heard. Lee said while rapid economic growth was important, it must not leave the vulnerable behind. 'Future policies must prioritise environmental sustainability, prevent overcapacity in development and maintain regional balance. 'Johor stands at a historic crossroads, whereby to become a truly developed state, we must not only be wealthy, but also humane. Not just strong, but sustainable,' he added.
The Sun
23-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Country View upbeat on FY25, backed by Iskandar's growth
PETALING JAYA: Country View Bhd is optimistic about the prospects in FY25 with the growing potential of Iskandar Malaysia as a key economic hub, driven by large-scale infrastructure projects and strong foreign interest. The group said it is well-positioned to navigate the evolving market landscape and deliver value to stakeholders. 'For the coming financial year 2025 (FY25), the property market in Johor Bahru remains poised for continued growth, driven by robust infrastructure developments, increasing foreign and domestic investments, together with government support to spur economic growth,' it said. With core development in the Iskandar Malaysia region, the group said it is strategically positioned to capitalise on these opportunities while maintaining their commitment to sustainable and responsible development. 'Key infrastructure projects such as the Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double-Track Rail Project (Gemas-JB EDTP) and the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link that is currently ongoing, when completed, are expected to further enhance cross-border connectivity and economic activity. 'Together with ongoing initiatives like the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and the Forest City Special Financial Zone (SFZ), these growth drivers are set to boost demand for residential, commercial, and industrial properties in Iskandar Malaysia,' said the company. Additionally, it said increased foreign interest, particularly from Singaporean investors, continues to support the upward trajectory of the real estate sector, especially in Iskandar Malaysia. 'With relatively lower property prices compared to Singapore, the Iskandar Malaysia region remains an attractive destination for both investment and homeownership,' it added. While the outlook remains positive, the group said it remains mindful of external challenges such as global economic uncertainties that could lead to fluctuating prices of commodities and materials, volatility of currencies, shifts in inflation, fluctuating interest rates, and investor sentiment. 'Our group will remain vigilant in monitoring market dynamics, adopting a prudent financial strategy, and continuously refining our product offerings. This includes enhancing quality amenities, incorporating sustainable designs and features that meet customer expectations, optimising the timing of our launches, and staying adaptable to changing market conditions,' it said. The group plans to launch the remaining affordable housing units under the Rumah Mampu Milik Johor and the Perumahan Komuniti Johor A schemes in Taman Nusa Sentral in FY25.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Right on track: What to expect as Malaysia's major train projects hit the rails
KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 — Come second half of 2025, public transport enthusiasts and Malaysians will be able to look forward to the scheduled completion of several major transportation infrastructure projects nationwide. Among those slated for completion and operation this year are the LRT Shah Alam Line (LRT3) and the Gemas-Johor Baru Electrified Double-Track (EDTP) rail project. Malay Mail takes a look at these anticipated public rail infrastructure projects and how they will serve for the betterment of the public in terms of transport network interconnectivity. A general view at LRT3 Johan Setia Depot in Klang July 4, 2023. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa LRT3 Announced under Budget 2015 and launched in 2016, the LRT3 project was initially designed with 26 stations (25 at present) to serve the western corridor of Greater Klang Valley with a total development cost initially set at RM9 billion, revised to RM16.6 billion in 2018 and RM21.33 billion by 2025. Spanning 37.8 kilometres (including 2 kilometres of underground tunnel) in length, the fully automated and driverless rail system starts at Bandar Utama and ends at Johan Setia with interchanges at Bandar Utama (MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang Line) and Glenmarie (LRT Kelana Jaya Line). The LRT3 alignment spans 37.8km in length from Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya to Johan Setia, Klang. — Picture via Forming part of the Klang Valley Integrated Transit System once completed, the LRT3 Line is expected to serve several high-density areas such as Bandar Utama, Shah Alam and Klang — accommodating up to 18,630 commuters per hour per direction. It is expected to benefit some two million residents along its alignment — especially those traveling between Petaling Jaya and Klang — with the aim of alleviating traffic congestion and boosting economic growth around the stations. Due for operation: Gemas-JB EDTP The Gemas-JB EDTP is a 192-kilometre electric train service project aimed at upgrading and complementing KTM's Electric Train Service (ETS) which runs from Padang Besar in Perlis to Gemas in Negeri Sembilan. The Gemas-JB EDTP spans four major districts in Johor, namely Segamat, Kluang, Kulai and Johor Baru, with 11 stops along its route. Announced in 2011 as part of Malaysia's EDTP, construction for the RM9.5 billion Gemas-JB EDTP began in 2018 and was initially scheduled for completion in October 2021. However, challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic and land acquisition issues caused setbacks. Once completed, the project would facilitate trade services between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Baru, positioning it as a key catalyst for enhancing connectivity and stimulating economic growth in the region. Freight transport between Malaysia's two largest ports — Port Klang and Tanjung Pelepas — is also expected to be enhanced. It is anticipated the project could accommodate some 3,000 daily passengers on the JB-KL route; including reducing commute time from JB to KL to four and a half hours from the previous seven hours by diesel train. Due for operation: August 2025 Special mentions: JB-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) While not slated for completion this year, the RTS Link has nevertheless made significant progress with track installation and construction now more than 65 per cent completed. The RTS Link is an international cross-border railway shuttle link consisting of two stations — Bukit Chagar in JB and Woodlands North in Singapore. Approximately 4 kilometres in length, the RTS Link aims to provide an alternative means of transportation that will help alleviate the congestion at immigration checkpoints for both countries. The link will be a modern Light Rail Transit (LRT) system that will provide a high volume, fast and efficient transportation system between the two stations. — Picture courtesy of MRT Corp The link will have a peak capacity of 10,000 passengers per hour per direction and an expected ridership of about 40,000 passengers per day in a six-minute train journey. As an international link between Malaysia and Singapore, the RTS Link includes the building of new co-located Immigration, Customs and Quarantine (ICQ) facilities at Bukit Chagar and Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Woodlands North respectively. This means the entire immigration process of leaving and entering both countries will be completed at the departing station, and arriving passengers need not go through border crossing formalities again. Due for operation: January 2027 The EMU train design and ECRL logo are pictured at Zenith Hotel in Putrajaya December 18, 2024. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa Special mentions: East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Although not slated for completion until December 2026, the 665-km double-track rail project has nevertheless completed excavation works for 38 tunnels along its rail alignment two months ahead of schedule. This comes after the ECRL made two tunnel breakthroughs in Selangor this month — the Serendah 1 Tunnel (3.5 kilometres) and the Rawang-Bestari Jaya Tunnel (189 metres) — putting it on track to achieve its target of 41 tunnel breakthroughs by the third quarter of 2025. A general view of the tunnel which can be seen during the ECRL Gombak Tunnel Breakthrough Ceremony here at Gombak. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin With these two breakthroughs, only three tunnels remain under excavation: the twin-bore Genting Tunnel (16.39 kilometres) and the Serendah 2 Tunnel (9.85 kilometres). It was reported that the Genting Tunnel is expected to achieve breakthrough in mid-2025, while the Serendah 2 Tunnel is targeted for breakthrough in the third quarter of 2025. The ECRL is separated into two phases — from Kota Baru in Kelantan to the Gombak Integrated Terminal (TBG) in Selangor (Phase 1) and Gombak with Port Klang (Phase 2). The ECRL project involves the construction of 41 tunnels with a total length of approximately 69 kilometres along its route. — Picture courtesy of Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd Once completed, the ECRL will enable travel from Kota Baru to TBG in four hours at a speed of up to160 kilometres per hour compared to approximately seven hours by road transport and provide much improved connectivity throughout the East Coast region to the West Coast. Due for operation: Phase 1 is scheduled for completion by December 2026 with operations set for January 2027 onwards; Phase 2 is expected to be completed by December 2027 and fully operational by January 2028.
Malay Mail
22-04-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Right on track: What to expect as Malaysia's major train projects hit the rails
KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 — Come second half of 2025, public transport enthusiasts and Malaysians will be able to look forward to the scheduled completion of several major transportation infrastructure projects nationwide. Among those slated for completion and operation this year are the LRT Shah Alam Line (LRT3) and the Gemas-Johor Baru Electrified Double-Track (EDTP) rail project. Malay Mail takes a look at these anticipated public rail infrastructure projects and how they will serve for the betterment of the public in terms of transport network interconnectivity. A general view at LRT3 Johan Setia Depot in Klang July 4, 2023. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa LRT3 Announced under Budget 2015 and launched in 2016, the LRT3 project was initially designed with 26 stations (25 at present) to serve the western corridor of Greater Klang Valley with a total development cost initially set at RM9 billion, revised to RM16.6 billion in 2018 and RM21.33 billion by 2025. Spanning 37.8 kilometres (including 2 kilometres of underground tunnel) in length, the fully automated and driverless rail system starts at Bandar Utama and ends at Johan Setia with interchanges at Bandar Utama (MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang Line) and Glenmarie (LRT Kelana Jaya Line). The LRT3 alignment spans 37.8km in length from Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya to Johan Setia, Klang. — Picture via Forming part of the Klang Valley Integrated Transit System once completed, the LRT3 Line is expected to serve several high-density areas such as Bandar Utama, Shah Alam and Klang — accommodating up to 18,630 commuters per hour per direction. It is expected to benefit some two million residents along its alignment — especially those traveling between Petaling Jaya and Klang — with the aim of alleviating traffic congestion and boosting economic growth around the stations. Due for operation: September 30 Gemas-JB EDTP The Gemas-JB EDTP is a 192-kilometre electric train service project aimed at upgrading and complementing KTM's Electric Train Service (ETS) which runs from Padang Besar in Perlis to Gemas in Negeri Sembilan. The Gemas-JB EDTP spans four major districts in Johor, namely Segamat, Kluang, Kulai and Johor Baru, with 11 stops along its route. Announced in 2011 as part of Malaysia's EDTP, construction for the RM9.5 billion Gemas-JB EDTP began in 2018 and was initially scheduled for completion in October 2021. However, challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic and land acquisition issues caused setbacks. Once completed, the project would facilitate trade services between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Baru, positioning it as a key catalyst for enhancing connectivity and stimulating economic growth in the region. Freight transport between Malaysia's two largest ports — Port Klang and Tanjung Pelepas — is also expected to be enhanced. It is anticipated the project could accommodate some 3,000 daily passengers on the JB-KL route; including reducing commute time from JB to KL to four and a half hours from the previous seven hours by diesel train. Due for operation: August 2025 Special mentions: JB-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) While not slated for completion this year, the RTS Link has nevertheless made significant progress with track installation and construction now more than 65 per cent completed. The RTS Link is an international cross-border railway shuttle link consisting of two stations — Bukit Chagar in JB and Woodlands North in Singapore. Approximately 4 kilometres in length, the RTS Link aims to provide an alternative means of transportation that will help alleviate the congestion at immigration checkpoints for both countries. The link will be a modern Light Rail Transit (LRT) system that will provide a high volume, fast and efficient transportation system between the two stations. — Picture courtesy of MRT Corp The link will have a peak capacity of 10,000 passengers per hour per direction and an expected ridership of about 40,000 passengers per day in a six-minute train journey. As an international link between Malaysia and Singapore, the RTS Link includes the building of new co-located Immigration, Customs and Quarantine (ICQ) facilities at Bukit Chagar and Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Woodlands North respectively. This means the entire immigration process of leaving and entering both countries will be completed at the departing station, and arriving passengers need not go through border crossing formalities again. Due for operation: January 2027 The EMU train design and ECRL logo are pictured at Zenith Hotel in Putrajaya December 18, 2024. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa Special mentions: East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Although not slated for completion until December 2026, the 665-km double-track rail project has nevertheless completed excavation works for 38 tunnels along its rail alignment two months ahead of schedule. This comes after the ECRL made two tunnel breakthroughs in Selangor this month — the Serendah 1 Tunnel (3.5 kilometres) and the Rawang-Bestari Jaya Tunnel (189 metres) — putting it on track to achieve its target of 41 tunnel breakthroughs by the third quarter of 2025. A general view of the tunnel which can be seen during the ECRL Gombak Tunnel Breakthrough Ceremony here at Gombak. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin With these two breakthroughs, only three tunnels remain under excavation: the twin-bore Genting Tunnel (16.39 kilometres) and the Serendah 2 Tunnel (9.85 kilometres). It was reported that the Genting Tunnel is expected to achieve breakthrough in mid-2025, while the Serendah 2 Tunnel is targeted for breakthrough in the third quarter of 2025. The ECRL is separated into two phases — from Kota Baru in Kelantan to the Gombak Integrated Terminal (TBG) in Selangor (Phase 1) and Gombak with Port Klang (Phase 2). The ECRL project involves the construction of 41 tunnels with a total length of approximately 69 kilometres along its route. — Picture courtesy of Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd Once completed, the ECRL will enable travel from Kota Baru to TBG in four hours at a speed of up to160 kilometres per hour compared to approximately seven hours by road transport and provide much improved connectivity throughout the East Coast region to the West Coast. Due for operation: Phase 1 is scheduled for completion by December 2026 with operations set for January 2027 onwards; Phase 2 is expected to be completed by December 2027 and fully operational by January 2028.
