JOHOR BARU: Johor’s proposal to open up a third route for pedestrians into the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (BSI CIQ) has hit a stumbling block due to security concerns.
Johor works, transportation, infrastructure and communication committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said there was still no decision about the matter, although the proposal had been brought up by the special committee to tackle the Johor Causeway congestion.
“The feedback we received was regarding security concerns – that is the main challenge we face.
“The (government) agencies in charge of security have yet to agree to the reopening of the third route, but negotiations are ongoing with the Home Ministry,” he said after launching a new park and ride bus service between Country Garden Danga Bay and BSI CIQ here yesterday.
The Star previously reported that pedestrians, including senior citizens and pregnant women, had requested the reopening of the shortcut.
At present, the two existing access routes to the BSI CIQ are along Jalan Jim Quee and Jalan Tun Razak.
The shortcut, located near Hako Hotel along Jalan Lingkaran Dalam here, made it easier for pedestrians to walk to the BSI CIQ, but this route was closed off during the Covid-19 pandemic, forcing pedestrians to walk about 1.5km further to enter the immigration clearance area.
A study conducted by the Johor Public Transport Corporation found more than 10,000 people had used the shortcut before it was closed.
