‘Causeway a symbol of close M’sia-S’pore ties’

JOHOR BARU: The Causeway is more than a bridge linking Singapore and Malaysia, but a symbol of the close relationship between both countries, says state exco member Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh.

“With the Causeway coming to its 100th year soon, the anniversary celebration is a sign of the good relationship which exist between the governments of Johor and Singapore,” he said when contacted here yesterday.

Mohamad Fazli, who is also the Bukit Pasir assemblyman, said the Causeway will remain as an important channel to ferry goods and people between both countries.

Asked on whether there are plans to upgrade the Causeway, including widening the 2.4km-long route, Mohamad Fazli said there are no plans to do so for now.

“It depends on both Malaysia and Singapore governments if there is a need to upgrade the Causeway.

“At present, we are waiting for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) agreement to be signed in September,” said Mohamad Fazli, who is state works, transportation, infrastructure and communication committee chairman.

Under the leadership of Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, the state government has been proactive in solving congestion issues at both land checkpoints here, especially at the Causeway.

Frequent trips to Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine made by Onn Hafiz and his state executive councillors have help ease the congestion.