Welcome to the new Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link station at Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru. It is designed to be a structure of beauty, and yet functional, to transport people quickly from one country to another.

In an interview with FMT, developer Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) said the design signified the special relationship between Johor and Singapore.

MRT Corp chief executive Mohd Zarif Mohd Hashim said the design was selected by the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, himself.

“It is going to be a new icon in Johor Bahru,” said Zarif.

The double-helix, representing the integration and partnership between Malaysia and Singapore, sits above a glass roof covering the station’s stylish interior. The unique sculpture, inspired by the keris and Johor royalty elements, crowns the modern building.

Zarif said the design was selected from more than 90 proposed by architects around the country in a competition launched on Nov 23, a day after the groundbreaking ceremony for the RTS project.

He paid tribute to Sultan Ibrahim, who was instrumental in the design process.

“It was actually His Majesty’s idea to have a design competition, and we invited architects who were members of the Malaysian Institute of Architects to submit their designs.

“We received 91 submissions, these were shortlisted to six based on various criteria including design concept, innovation and technology, constructability, maintenance, and environmental and sustainability considerations.”

The shortlisted six were presented to a selection panel headed by Sultan Ibrahim, and comprising other experts and stakeholders.

“Sultan Ibrahim selected the winner and we are very happy with the design and, more importantly, what it represents.”

The RTS Link project, connecting Bukit Chagar to Woodlands in Singapore, is expected to be completed in December 2026.