Onn Hafiz (foreground, right) and Vivian releasing 100 pigeons to mark the centenary of the Causeway. The ceremony was witnessed by Tunku Ismail (centre). — THOMAS YONG/The Star
THE Causeway has played a crucial role in Johor’s development and remains a huge part of the state’s history.
Johor Indian Muslim Entrepreneurs Association (Perusim) secretary-general Hussein Ibrahim said the closure of the border during the Covid-19 pandemic showed just how important the Causeway and Second Link were to Malaysia and Singapore.
“We have always known about the interconnectedness between Johor and Singapore and how dependent we are on each other.
“However, it was only during the pandemic that we really appreciated how significant this relationship was for people on both sides.
The cake sent to Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.
“For the first time, the Causeway and Second Link were almost empty, with hardly any vehicles.
“This really impacted the economy on both sides, especially Johor,” said Hussein.
Malaysian Association of Hotels Johor chapter chairman Ivan Teo said the tourism sector was severely impacted during the pandemic, especially in Johor.
“We have always had Singaporeans coming here over the weekends and holidays.
“The large volume of vehicles entering Johor through the Causeway and Second Link shows that things are improving.
“However, traffic congestion is a long-standing problem that needs to be addressed,” Teo noted.
Johor Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry secretary-general Datuk K. Krishnan said,“The reopening of the Causeway and Second Link is probably one of the most important and memorable moments we have lived through.”
On June 28, a ceremony was held at the “zero mark” of the Causeway and 100 pigeons were released to commemorate its 100th anniversary.
The birds were released by Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Singapore foreign affairs minister Vivian Balakrishnan, witnessed by Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
On the same day, the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar CIQ (BSI) management also sent a cake to Singapore’s immigration and checkpoints authority in conjunction with the celebration.
The cake, featuring a photo of the Causeway with the words “A century of strong bonding”, was handed over by BSI deputy Immigration head R. Vimala.
The Causeway was officially opened on June 28, 1924, by the Federated Malay States high commissioner Sir Laurence Guillemard.
It was witnessed by the then Johor Ruler Almarhum Sultan Sir Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Sir Abu Bakar, as well as other Malay Rulers.
It is estimated that some 300,000 commuters use the Causeway to travel between Johor and Singapore daily. — By Venesa Devi
