Anthony Loke Dismisses Reports, Confirms No Tender Issued for JB LRT Project
Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke has confirmed that the tender process for the Johor Bahru Light Rail Transit (LRT) project has not yet commenced, despite reports that multiple consortiums and companies were preparing to bid. The proposed LRT system, aimed at enhancing connectivity in Johor Bahru and complementing the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS), remains in its planning phase.
Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke has confirmed that the tender process for the Johor Bahru Light Rail Transit (LRT) project has not yet commenced, despite reports that multiple consortiums and companies were preparing to bid. The proposed LRT system, aimed at enhancing connectivity in Johor Bahru and complementing the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS), remains in its planning phase.
Responding to questions on January 25, 2025, Loke stated that no tender had been officially issued. This contradicts recent reports by The Edge that EPE Power Corp and a consortium involving LBS Bina Group, Ancom Nylex, Theta Edge, Sinar Bina Infra, and BTS Group Holdings PCL were interested in bidding for the project.
Proposed LRT Routes and Integration with Singapore’s RTS
The Johor Bahru LRT project has been discussed as a key component of Johor’s future transport infrastructure, designed to ease congestion and enhance urban mobility. The Johor state government, working closely with the Ministry of Transport, has been finalizing details of a comprehensive urban transit network that will complement the RTS, set to begin operations in early 2027.
Last year, Johor’s Works, Transportation, and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh revealed that three LRT lines had been identified for future development, spanning 30 km across key locations in Johor Bahru, including:
– Tebrau Line
– Skudai Line
– Iskandar Puteri Line, which would extend to Senai International Airport in Kulai
Additionally, a proposal for an 11.3 km LRT line was submitted, connecting Bukit Chagar station—where it would interchange with the RTS—to Taman Tasek on the western side of Johor Bahru.
Who Are the Potential Bidders?
Despite no official tender announcement, reports indicate that several companies are positioning themselves as key contenders. EPE Power Corp, a private holding company specializing in switchgears and transformers, is reportedly collaborating with Lion Pacific, a railway engineering company, in anticipation of a bid.
Another consortium, featuring LBS Bina Group, Ancom Nylex, Theta Edge, Sinar Bina Infra, and BTS Group Holdings PCL, has also been linked to the project. The consortium had previously proposed an LRT route between Bukit Chagar and Taman Tasek, which could serve as a crucial link for commuters.
Meanwhile, YTL Power International Bhd, SIPP Rail Sdn Bhd, and Mobilus Sdn Bhd were previously understood to be considering an alternative transit proposal, possibly an automated rapid transit (ART) system, rather than an LRT.
Johor’s Expanding Public Transport Ambitions
The proposed LRT system is part of Johor’s broader urban transport modernization plan, aimed at reducing traffic congestion and boosting regional economic growth. The Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS, set to begin operations in 2027, will serve as a key international link, and local authorities are keen on ensuring seamless connectivity between urban transit systems.
However, the absence of an official tender suggests that detailed feasibility studies, cost assessments, and stakeholder negotiations are still ongoing.
The development of an LRT system could offer a faster, more efficient way to navigate the city, reducing dependence on cars and easing congestion on key roads. Additionally, for businesses and investors, the expansion of public transport infrastructure in Johor could enhance commercial opportunities and property values in areas served by the new transit lines.
With the RTS set to open in 2027, a complementary LRT system could significantly improve cross-border connectivity, further integrating Johor Bahru into Singapore’s regional economy. However, with the project still in its preliminary stages, it remains to be seen when the actual tender process will begin and who will ultimately secure the contract.
Sources: Paultan.org, Malay Mail (2025)
Keywords: Johor Bahru LRT, Malaysia Public Transport, Johor RTS, Singapore Johor Connectivity, Malaysia Infrastructure, Urban Rail Project, LRT Expansion, Southeast Asia Transport, Cross-Border Travel, Investment in Johor
