JB rail transit project on track: KUB

PETALING JAYA: KUB Malaysia Bhd expects to put into action its partnership agreement with Malaysia Steel Works (KL) Bhd, for the proposed Johor Baru inter-city rail transit system project soon, the group said in a statement yesterday.
KUB Malaysia said it has received and is reviewing the updates on the proposed RM1.23 billion project that would complement the existing and upcoming transport network infrastructure in Iskandar.
"The group anticipates putting into action the partnership agreement made in January 2011 soon," KUB said in the statement.
KUB will also engage in further discussions with the Ministry of Transport (MOT) to speed up its review process, so that an update on the project can be submitted to the Economic Council and recommend its re-tabling by this year.
"KUB certainly looks forward to working with other agencies to enable smooth processing of the proposals," it added.
The controversial rail transit network project interlinking Iskandar Malaysia in Johor and Woodlands, Singapore is yet to take off since it was announced in 2011, pending approvals from certain agencies.
The project is led by joint venture company Metropolitan Commuter Network Sdn Bhd (MCN), where both Masteel and KUB hold a 60% and 40% equity stake respectively.
According to Masteel's recent filing with Bursa Malaysia, MCN has submitted an updated proposal on Jan 8, 2015 to MOT.
"The combination of KUB's property, engineering and construction core competency and Masteel's expertise in heavy engineering and building materials will benefit the people of Johor once the rail project is completed as it will reduce their travelling time and ease the traffic congestion in Johor Baru," KUB said.