Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link: March 2025 Progress Update and Impact on Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ)

By March 2025, the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project had made significant progress toward completion. Track installation, signaling, and power supply systems were already 50% complete. Notably, work on track installation began in September 2024 at the Wadi Hana Depot in Johor Bahru and is expected to reach Singapore’s Woodlands North station by July 2025.

Transforming Cross-Border Connectivity and Economic Growth

The RTS Link is a 4km cross-border shuttle service connecting Bukit Chagar station in Johor Bahru to Woodlands North station in Singapore. Once operational, it will ease congestion on the Causeway by carrying up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction. The travel time between the two stations will be approximately five minutes. The project remains on track, with passenger services scheduled to begin by December 2026.

In tandem with the RTS Link development, Malaysia and Singapore have formalized the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) in Johor. This initiative is designed to attract major investments in artificial intelligence, technological manufacturing, and business services. The JS-SEZ provides appealing incentives, including a 5% corporate tax rate and a 15% personal income tax rate, aiming to create 20,000 jobs and launch 50 projects over the next five years.

As the RTS Link progresses and the JS-SEZ develops strategically, economic ties between Malaysia and Singapore will continue to strengthen. With improved accessibility, skilled workers from both sides will contribute to and benefit from new opportunities. At the same time, more Singaporean professionals will explore employment prospects in Johor Bahru, further enriching the labor market.

Employers and investors can take full advantage of these developments with the support of SJ Holdings. Our services include warehouse and factory setup, business advisory, and investment facilitation. Furthermore, with expertise in cross-border business solutions and expansion strategies, SJ Holdings helps businesses navigate the JS-SEZ’s evolving landscape and maximize growth in this regional powerhouse.