JOHOR BAHRU – A massive RM2.6 billion integrated development is set to transform Bukit Chagar, the Johor Bahru terminus of the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link. The project will include a shopping mall, a hotel, serviced apartments, a wellness hub, and education facilities, all seamlessly connected to the RTS station and new Immigration, Customs, and Quarantine (ICQ) Complex.
Spanning 1.7 hectares, the development aims to boost economic activity while improving cross-border travel between Johor and Singapore. A multi-level park-and-ride facility will be constructed, offering 1,550 car and 1,015 motorcycle parking spaces. To accommodate growing commuter demand, 75% of the parking spaces are expected to be operational by November 2026, ahead of the RTS Link’s official launch.
To further enhance mobility within Johor Bahru, the government is evaluating an autonomous rapid transit (ART) system—a driverless tram-bus network—as a cost-effective alternative to a traditional light rail transit (LRT) system. Transport Minister Anthony Loke highlighted that ART would provide greater flexibility, lower costs, and faster implementation, with the project currently in the request for proposal phase. The ART network could eventually link the RTS station to key areas such as Iskandar Puteri, Tebrau, and Skudai.
The RTS Link itself is expected to significantly ease congestion at the Johor-Singapore Causeway, which currently sees over 430,000 daily commuters, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. With a projected ridership of 40,000 passengers per day and a capacity of 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, the RTS aims to provide a faster and more efficient alternative to existing land transport options.
This project is a joint effort between MRT Corporation and Sunway Group, aligning with Malaysia’s broader plans for economic development in Johor. It is part of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which spans 3,571 square kilometers and includes major industrial, technological, and commercial hubs.
Construction is set to begin in March 2025, with full completion expected by 2033. Sunway Group chairman Jeffrey Cheah sees this development as a catalyst for economic growth, while MRT Corp CEO Mohd Zarif Hashim emphasized its role in urban transformation through integrated transport infrastructure.
By combining seamless connectivity, modern amenities, and strategic urban planning, the Bukit Chagar development is set to enhance Johor Bahru’s status as a thriving economic and transportation hub in Southeast Asia.