Johor considers creating Second Link lane for Forest City special financial zone

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor is considering designating a lane for those travelling to and fro the special financial zone (SFZ) in the Forest City at the Immigration checkpoint of the Second Link here.

State works, transportation and infrastructure committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said the move could smoothen the traffic flow at the bridge connecting Malaysia and Singapore, particularly during peak hours.

However, he said in-depth studies need to be carried out in order for the state government to identify the best strategy.

"We need to separate the daily travelers and weekend travelers. We are also conducting a study to see if a special lane is needed. This will give us a clearer picture," the Bukit Pasir assemblyman said after launching the bus service between Forest City and Tuas in Singapore on Tuesday (Dec 12).

Currently, the Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar (KSAB) customs, immigration and quarantine complex on the Second Link recorded the number of daily travellers at 28,000.

Mohamad Fazli said among the issues faced there is congestion especially during the daily peak hours, weekends and holiday seasons.

He said the implementation of the contra-flow lanes involving private cars at KSAB is expected to start by the end of this month.

"Currently we already have a bus contra-flow route. The system will be implemented during peak hours to avoid traffic congestion," he added.

ALSO READ: Special financial zone to be created in Forest City - PM Anwar

In August, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that a special financial zone would be set up in Forest City to boost investment, growth and economic activities in Johor.

He also announced several incentives including a special income tax rate of 15% for skilled workers and multiple entry visas.

He said this means the cost of doing business in the zone is more affordable.