Malaysia’s Public Private Partnership Unit (Ukas) is expected to award the Johor Bahru rapid transit project to a consortium led by DOM Industries (M) Sdn Bhd and MMC Corporation Berhad, according to industry sources.
The project, estimated at nearly RM7 billion, will be developed as a public-private partnership and is expected to adopt an elevated autonomous rapid transit (ART) or automated people mover system. Other consortium members reportedly include Nylex Malaysia Berhad and BTS Group Holdings, with the latter providing technical expertise.
The Johor Bahru ART system is considered a key urban mobility project aimed at reducing congestion and improving connectivity within the city. It is also expected to complement the upcoming Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System, which will significantly increase cross-border passenger flows.
Once operational, the ART system will play a critical role in distributing passengers arriving at Bukit Chagar station, where the RTS is projected to handle up to 10,000 passengers per hour per direction. The project has been under evaluation for over a year, with multiple consortiums competing for the contract.