New task force to help Singaporeans, businesses seize opportunities from JB-Singapore RTS Link

A task force has been set up to help Singaporeans and local businesses seize opportunities and reap benefits from the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link.

- Zaihan Mohamed Yusof

The announcement was made by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on March 16 at the launch of an initiative at Woodlands North Plaza, where residents can claim vouchers that allow them to buy daily staples for $1.

Mr Ong said he had approached Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong for help in forming a task force to "look into how we can seize the opportunities of RTS (and) at the same time find ways to cushion the impact for those who are affected".

Mr Ong said he takes a "very special interest" in watching the developments because Woodlands North station, the terminus of the rail link, is in Sembawang GRC.

While the RTS Link may nudge Singaporeans across the Causeway for shopping, there is an opportunity for Singapore to rejuvenate many of its retail areas and heartland centres to "offer something different that Malaysian shoppers will find coming to Singapore also quite interesting", said Mr Ong, who is an MP for Sembawang GRC.

He said, however, that there are also those who will be affected.

"If you run shops or you sell things or sell food that directly compete with Johor Bahru's vendors, I think you can be affected."