Mersing airport one of projects identified for next year
JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor state government has identified several mega projects to be implemented next year, including construction of an airport in Mersing and a new bridge linking Johor Bahru and Singapore.
Menteri Besar Datuk Osman Sapian said the airport, located in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), could not only be used by tourists including from Batam, Indonesia and Phuket, Thailand, but also be a light aircraft repair hub.
“The Prime Minister has agreed that ECER will play a role. The airport is not for aircraft like Boeing, but for light planes like the Fokker.
“There are two locations, but the cost is still unknown, the consultant will make an evaluation,” he told reporters after opening the 2018/2019 convention of Johor local authorities yesterday.
Osman said whether construction would commence next year would depend on the federal government’s allocation.
Construction of the new bridge could probably start after all quarters have reached an agreement over how to address the congestion at the Johor Causeway and the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link (Linkedua), he said. “The bridge could be crooked or straight, but it would be a reality,” he said, noting the complaint from state Women Development and Tourism Committee chairman Liow Cai Tung about congestion on Linkedua affecting tour bus services.
Osman said the development of Segamat would also be a priority for the state government next year, with projects including the upgrading of the Segamat Inland Port and a large-scale dairy and beef farm.
On the state’s 2019 Budget to be tabled on Nov 29, Osman said housing and comprehensive development are two of the main issues it would address.
“Many people have asked us to fulfil our promise of providing affordable housing,” he said, noting that the state government has already made good on 10 of its manifesto promises.
“Some have asked us for comprehensive development, and this is part of our plans. Some have also asked for higher salaries, allowances and bonuses. Insha Allah (God willing), we will give a year-end bonus to civil servants and staff of local authorities and statutory bodies in the state,” he added.