Thai Skytrain firm will help connect Malaysia to Singapore

BTS Holdings, the builder and operator of the first commuter rail network in Bangkok, said that it will partner with a Malaysian company to build a new light rail line connecting the city of Johor Bahru to the Singapore Rapid Transit System.

The agreement is another example of neighboring countries tapping into the expertise and experience of Thai companies, especially infrastructure development firms. Thai companies, such as building materials conglomerate SCG and industrial estate developer Amata, are sought after by others in the region for partnerships and investment because of their long track records of success.

The deal was announced by Keree Kanjanapas, Chairman of the BTS Group Holdings Plc, and the Heads of Sinar Bina Infra Sdn. Bhd., Ancom Berhad, Nylex (Malaysia) Berhad and LBS Bina Group Berhad. Together, they will jointly operate the new rail lines.

Johor Bahru is the capital city of the Malaysian state of Johor. The city itself has a population of over 1.7 million people. It is one of Malaysia’s two land links to the city-state of Singapore with its 5.4 million residents and vibrant economy. It is known to be one the busiest land crossings in the world.

BTS Chairman Keree said that his company believes that the planned light rail system will help meet the transport needs of passengers in Singapore and Malaysia and provide convenient and safe transport that improves people’s quality of life.

The Group has inarguably improved the quality of life for many people in Bangkok and its suburbs with its network of commuter rail lines. When its first Skytrain opened in 1999, it has relieved the traffic significantly, because the BTS transports hundreds of thousands of people around Bangkok quickly, conveniently, and without delay every day.

Photo courtesy of https://www.bts.co.th/index.html