ISKANDAR PUTERI: After a prolonged lull, it’s back to the usual traffic snarls along the Causeway and Second Link.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi (pic) said that since the border with Singapore reopened on April 1, both routes have been jammed, even during weekdays.
“There are massive jams even from 10am to noon. There is a need to look into this issue,” he said at the launch of the 1975 Avenue and Hotel project here yesterday.
During the movement control order, the Causeway and Second Link which connect the two countries by land were blocked off to bar traffic. Prior to that, the Causeway was one of the busiest routes in the world.
Onn Hafiz said he hoped that the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project would be completed soon to alleviate the pressure on both routes.
“We are also exploring the possibility of a ferry terminal to link Puteri Harbour here and Tuas in Singapore,” he added.
With a capacity of 10,000 passengers per hour each way, the RTS Link will provide easy and comfortable transportation between Johor Baru and Singapore in just five minutes.
Scheduled to begin operating by Jan 1, 2027, the RTS is a railway shuttle link over 4km with two stations, one in Bukit Chagar in Johor Baru and the other in Woodlands, Singapore.
On the hotel project, Onn Hafiz said the avenue and hotel development by Tiong Nam Group would incorporate two decommissioned Boeing 747 aircraft located above a man-made beach.
“I understand that there will also be a dedicated block for halal food and beverages which will be good for Muslim guests staying at the hotel. Once completed, the project will be the first of its kind in the southern region,” he added.
