JOHOR BARU: A bridge should replace the Causeway to boost connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore, said Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.
He said he was willing to be the mediator between both countries to resolve some of the issues including the bridge project, supply of water to the island republic or even extending Singapore’s Mass Railway Transit into Johor Baru.
“I do not have a problem with Singapore. We can see each other any time. I think some of the issues between Johor and Singapore can be resolved over a cup of tea,” he said.
He hoped that Johor would be consulted in the development of projects in the state in future.
“It is pointless for a person from another state to decide what is good or not good for Johor.
“It must be Johor that decides with the blessing of the Federal Government.
“You must understand Johor’s sentiments,” Sultan Ibrahim told The Star in an exclusive interview, adding that it was his responsibility to look after the state and people.
“The congestion is bad on both sides of the Causeway.
“We need to improve the public transportation system.
“Why can’t we have a bridge and remove the old Causeway?” asked Sultan Ibrahim.
He noted that between 80,000 and 120,000 people used the Causeway each day.
He said a bridge would benefit both countries as it could allow for the movement of small vessels like ferries.
Sultan Ibrahim, who acknowledged that a delegation from Singapore including Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew had paid him a courtesy call recently, reminded the republic that whatever it proposed must be a win-win situation.
“It must be a one-for-one kind of deal. No one should be on the losing end,” he said, adding that he was against the building of a third link into Singapore.
Sultan Ibrahim also suggested that an environmental impact survey be done before the implementation of any project.
“Look at the Second Link. It used to be a white elephant as people did not want to use it.
“Now, with the development in the area under Iskandar Malaysia, people are using it but it is still only running at 40% capacity,” he pointed out.
In 2006, Malaysia – under then Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi – scrapped plans to build a crooked “scenic bridge” to replace the 80-year-old Causeway.
The project was the brainchild of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the Government forked out an additional hundreds of millions of ringgit for compensation and also to build an alternative route to the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex in Bukit Chagar due to the cancellation.
