In a social media post, the Johor regent said he was “deeply concerned” about the expected increase in traffic.

“To date, no comprehensive solution has been presented to accommodate the expected increase in traffic, including the implementation of an elevated automated rapid transit (ART) system or other alternative transport options around the Bukit Chagar area,” he said.

Tunku Ismail, who is also known as TMJ, went on to compare Johor to Penang.

“The federal government said it has insufficient funds to cover the maintenance costs of an elevated ART system, yet Penang was able to secure (federal government funding for) the LRT project that is more expensive than an elevated ART system,” he said.

In August, transport minister Loke Siew Fook said the Penang LRT, with a cost ceiling of between RM16 billion and RM17 billion, will be paid for from the federal development budget.

The elevated ART system, on the other hand, would cost around RM7 billion, Bernama reported.

In February, Loke said the Cabinet had instructed the public-private partnership unit (Ukas) to call for a request for proposal for an ART system in Johor Bahru.

Due for completion next year, the RTS Link is a 4km light rail transit shuttle service connecting the Bukit Chagar station to Singapore’s Woodlands North station.

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