Calls For Third Johor-Singapore Bridge Renewed By M’sian Home Minister
Another Malaysian minister is taking on the challenging task of trying to construct a third Johor-Singapore bridge, in order to alleviate heavy traffic congestion along the Causeway.
Mr Muhyiddin Yassin, Malaysia’s Home Minister, requested for the state government’s support in the construction of a bridge on Monday (25 Nov), reports Bernama.
He envisions a third link between Johor Bahru and Singapore’s immigration complex, in a bid to ease heavy congestion woes along the Causeway and Tuas Link.
Mr Yassin appealed passionately to other ministers gathered,
If the state government supports, I will ensure this initiative will be started.
No bridge, tunnel also can
Mr Yassin cited recent studies and figures to prove that frequent heavy traffic has been taking a toll on both Malaysians and Singaporeans alike.
Thus, the need for a third bridge is more pressing than ever.
However, unlike Prime Minister Mahathir’s infamous ‘crooked bridge’ proposal, the minister was open to the idea of the connection not being “a bridge”, but “a tunnel across the Straits of Johor”.
Johor’s CIQ complex was built 16 years ago, back in 2003, and is due to reach “full capacity” by 2020.
A crooked bridge or a tunnel?
As the debate continues about whether Singapore and Malaysia should embark on a joint-construction project for a third link, we hope that both nations’ ties remain strong.
Not just for the sake of the region’s stability, but for the thousands of citizens from both nations that endure Causeway jams on their commutes everyday.
If you recall, back in Dec 2018, ICA warned Singaporeans of heavy traffic along the Causeway at least 59 times.
We hope that a mutually feasible and cost-effective solution will be figured out soon, a crooked bridge, a tunnel, or anything in between.
Also read:
Johor Wants A Third Link Bridge To Singapore That Ends At Pulau Ubin
Featured image adapted from Gerbang Perdana via The Straits Times and EdgeProp.