Johor-based Mama Bakery, which specialises in Chinese New Year cookies, had also been banking on the RTS Link for an uptick in business, given that it would make cross-border trips more convenient for Singapore shoppers.
“I was eagerly hoping the RTS Link would bring in more customers, so we did prepare to bake more this year,” said its owner, Ling Zijian.
Teh Kee Sin, adviser and founding president of the SME Association of South Johor, described the delay as a “missed opportunity” for Johor retailers to draw more customers during the festive period in early 2027.
“By not commencing (RTS Link) operations at the end of 2026, some businesses may have lost out on an opportunity,” he said.
“But hopefully, Singaporeans will still come in via other modes of transport like cars and buses.”