Loke said proposals for these links, which would further improve connectivity between the neighbouring countries, would need to be approved by both nations.

“This (procedure) involves many things, not just the mode of transport, but the necessary infrastructure and facilities, such as a customs, immigration, and quarantine complex,” he said.

Loke was speaking at a press conference after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his Singapore counterpart, Lee Hsien Loong, commemorated the completion of the connecting span of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link at a ceremony this morning.

At the event, the two prime ministers signed a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi, foreign minister Mohamad Hasan, economy minister Rafizi Ramli, second finance minister Amir Hamzah Azizan, deputy finance minister Lim Hui Ying, acting Singapore transport minister Chee Hong Tat, and Singapore foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan were also present.

The project, developed by Malaysia Rapid Transit System Sdn Bhd, will span 4km connecting Bukit Chagar station in Johor Bahru and the Woodlands North station in Singapore.

It is expected to serve up to 10,000 passengers per hour per direction during peak periods.

Loke and Chee said the RTS Link was on track to being operational by January 2027, with fares to be decided closer to its completion.

“We will ensure that contractors from both sides execute everything accordingly,” Loke added.

Meanwhile, Chee said the third land connection was being anticipated by many residents of Singapore.