Johor’s Chief Minister proposes new RTS2 link and economic zone updates in talks with PM Wong
A second cross-border rail link may soon connect Tuas in Singapore and Iskandar Puteri in Johor, as part of strategic proposals floated by Johor’s Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi during a recent high-level meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
RTS2 Proposal Aims to Boost Connectivity
On July 31, Johor’s Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi proposed the RTS2 system, a new Rapid Transit System connecting Tuas and Iskandar Puteri, to PM Lawrence Wong in Singapore. The proposal was part of several strategic ideas shared during a one-hour meeting at The Istana. Onn Hafiz noted the plan aligns with the aspirations of Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the Regent of Johor.
The move builds on progress of the first Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link, slated for completion by December 2026, with installation works already 56% complete as of June. While PM Wong did not publicly comment on the RTS2 proposal, he emphasized the strong and evolving Singapore-Johor partnership in his own statement.
Johor-Singapore SEZ Gains Momentum
Another key agenda during the meeting was the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). Onn Hafiz highlighted that the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor (IMFC-J) is now the central platform for coordinating investment and policy planning.
So far, Johor has attracted 577 investment enquiries, with 70 showing serious intent—including 11 leads from Singapore agencies. These developments signal a robust interest in cross-border synergies that could combine Singapore’s R&D expertise with Johor’s industrial capacity and land resources.
Singapore Welcomes Greater Collaboration
PM Lawrence Wong expressed strong support for ongoing projects like the RTS Link and JS-SEZ, stating they will enhance cross-border flows, strengthen economic links, and create shared opportunities. He also welcomed further cooperation in fields such as energy and logistics, areas critical to regional sustainability and competitiveness.
Wong also acknowledged Johor’s commitment to a fair and competitive labor market, reinforcing a mutual desire to align economic policies for long-term cooperation.
Johor Economy on the Rise
The proposed initiatives are underpinned by Johor’s impressive economic growth. The state reported a 6.4% expansion—the highest in Malaysia—and secured RM30.1 billion (USD 7.06 billion) in investments during Q1 2025 alone. Onn Hafiz emphasized that this momentum reflects investor confidence in Johor’s stability, strategic location, and proactive governance.
This growing economic profile adds weight to Johor’s push for expanded transit infrastructure and broader collaboration with Singapore.
Next Steps and Diplomatic Engagement
The proposals were made during Onn Hafiz’s three-day official visit to Singapore at the invitation of Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. While no immediate decisions on RTS2 have been announced, the tone of the meeting was constructive and forward-looking, with both sides open to further discussion.
Onn Hafiz expressed confidence that the meeting marked “a new chapter” in Johor-Singapore relations, driven by aligned goals and regional ambition.
As Johor’s economy surges and Singapore continues to seek meaningful regional partnerships, proposals like RTS2 and the JS-SEZ reflect a shared vision for deeper, smarter cross-border integration. For Indonesians and Singaporeans alike, especially those living and working near the Causeway, this evolving connectivity offers economic opportunity, better mobility, and stronger regional unity.
Sources: CNA (2025) , Malay Mail (2025)
Keywords: RTS2 Rail Link, Tuas Iskandar Puteri, Johor Singapore SEZ, Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Lawrence Wong, Johor Economic Growth
