PASIR GUDANG (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - The Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS), which is expected to be operational in December 2024, will boost cross-border economy, said Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin on Saturday (Jan 20).

The Menteri Besar of Johor state in Malaysia said the state was fortunate to be experiencing cross-border economy due to its close proximity with Singapore.

"The Opposition points out as if it was a bad thing for the thousands who travel between the two countries for work daily but there is nothing to be ashamed of.

"Johor is the only state in the country that benefits from cross-border economy," he told reporters after visiting the Pasir Gudang Urban Transformation Centre.

The agreement for the RTS project was signed by Malaysia and Singapore on Jan 16, at the eighth annual retreat between leaders of both countries.

The RTS will connect Bukit Chagar in Johor Baru and the planned Woodlands North MRT station, which is part of the upcoming Thomson-East Coast (TEL) Line in Singapore.