PUTRAJAYA, June 8 ― The second phase of the MRT line connecting Sungai Buloh and Kajang will start operating from July 17, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced today.

"For your information ladies and gentlemen, I have already picked a date that is rather special for the launch of the MRT phase two, that is 17-7-2017,” he said at the launch of the Third National Physical Plan, the Third National Urbanisation Policy and the Nation Rural Physical Planning Policy here.

Najib said that 500,000 people are expected to ride the train with the operation of both the first and second phase of the MRT.

"Likewise the High Speed Rail (HSR) project which will soon connect Kuala Lumpur and Singapore in only 90 minutes, which we will make a reality,” he added.

Najib also called on all Malaysians work together for the nation’s development aspirations.

"In 2020, Malaysia will become a high-income, advanced economy.

"In 2025 meanwhile, the country's economic value and current trades will increase from RM1.3 trillion to RM2 trillion,” Najib said.

He also said he wants Malaysia to rank in the top 20 most developed nations in the future.