Malaysian publication The Star reported that Malaysia is seeking yet another six-month extension to review the Rapid Transit System (RRS) Link project, after the Malaysian government failed to come to a decision by the Oct. 31 deadline.

However, in a surprising twist, Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke blasted The Star hours later in a Facebook post, calling the news misleading and claiming that the paper reported based on unverified sources.

Loke also said that Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is scheduled to make the announcement on the RTS at 3pm on Oct. 31.

The Straits Times also ran the same report, claiming that the Malaysian government is seeking yet another extension for the RM4 billion (S$1.3 billion) project.

This latest request for a six-month deadline was apparently made known to Singapore on Oct. 28, which is 48 hours before the current deadline.

Previous extension given without financial demands

According to The Star, this latest request for a six-month deadline was Malaysia's third request for more time.

In May 2019, the RTS was officially suspended at Malaysia's request, until Sep. 30.

As part of the suspension, Malaysia had to reimburse Singapore over S$600,000 in abortive costs.

In Sep. 2019, Malaysia requested a further extension of the deadline to Oct. 31, which Singapore granted.

The extra time was given without Singapore making any financial demands over the delay in the project.

Singapore reserves the right to backdate claims for damage

The Star reported that the Malaysian transport ministry was still unable to resolve certain issues on its side, prompting the need for more time for the review.

The issues include the relocation of the RTS depot, which is currently proposed to be in Singapore, and the rail system to be used.

The proposed RTS will use the same rolling stock and signalling system like Singapore's Thomson-East Coast line Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system.

However, some Malaysian officials remarked that such an MRT system was costlier to build and maintain, and Malaysia could be looking for a less sophisticated system to reduce costs.

Last month, The Star also reported that Malaysia was studying the option of getting the private sector to fund and operate the RTS, but no further details were given.

A Malaysian official also said that Singapore could reserve the right to backdate claims for damages relating to the delay, or even reduce the review period sought by Malaysia.

Mahathir recently claimed that the RTS is alive

On Oct. 17, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad claimed that Malaysia "will proceed with the RTS, but we will take some time".

Although his statement meant that the RTS is unlikely to be scrapped, the 94-year-old was coy about the details.

When asked whether this meant the issue had been resolved, Mahathir said that "this is something that will be announced later".

Pressing need for the RTS

Both the Singapore and Malaysia governments signed a bilateral agreement in 2018 to build the RTS from Woodlands in Singapore to Bukit Chagar in Johor, in a bid to alleviate congestion at the Causeway.

At present, more than 367,000 people cross the Causeway daily.

If Malaysia chooses to scrap the RTS project, it is liable to pay Singapore up to RM200 million (around S$65 million) for the work that has already been completed by Singapore.

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Top image from LTA.