MB: NEW BRIDGE NEEDED TO EASE TRAFFIC CONGESTION
Johor govt to discuss matter with 3 ministries, says Osman
JOHOR is in dire need of a new bridge to Singapore to ease the critical traffic congestion at the two entry points at the Causeway and Tuas.
Menteri Besar Datuk Osman
Sapian said the worsening traffic situation at the two entry points required a long-term solution to ensure that Malaysia’s economic development was not affected.
He said the state government would discuss the matter with the Finance Ministry and Home Ministry, as well as the Works Ministry, to find a solution to the problem.
One of the suggestions, he said, was to build a third bridge to Singapore.
“There is a need (for a new bridge). Even Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had stated that the federal government has no objection to this.
“This issue involves both sides. The main focus now is to resolve the traffic-flow problem between the two countries, which is at a critical level.
“When the prime minister came to assess the chemical pollution situation in Pasir Gudang, I showed him the site of the third bridge. He was receptive to the idea,” he said yesterday.
On March 19, Dr Mahathir was quoted as saying that Malaysia and Singapore would need at least three to four bridges.
“Singapore’s traffic volume is bigger than Penang’s. We would need at least three to four bridges,” he said at Invest Malaysia 2019.
Osman said: “If the government does not have the financial capability to build a new bridge, the project could be privatised. A third bridge could also draw in more tourists.” he said.