Water taxis for Johor?
SINGAPORE LINK: Khaled says federal nod sought for service, which could begin next year
THE Johor government is seeking federal approval to set up a “water taxi” service to ferry passengers and vehicles between Kong Kong, Pasir Gudang and Changi, Singapore.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said a feasibility study would be conducted once approval was given, and it would involve the use of ferries along the 20-minute sea route.
If implemented, the service could begin as early as next year.
Water taxis can reduce travellers’ dependency on the Causeway and Second Link, and become a publictransport connection between the eastern part of the state and Singapore.
Khaled said the move would benefit travellers coming to and from Pengerang, an upcoming oil and gas hub in southeast Johor.
“There is a proposal to operate water taxis from Changi to a new terminal in Kong Kong, which will connect Singapore to eastern Johor in 20 minutes.
“They will not only ferry passengers, but will also transport vehicles. This has been proposed to the Federal Government for consideration.
“We welcome the proposal as it Johor Menteri Besar operators at a
Johor Baru yesterday. can ease congestion and reduce the load on the Causeway and Second Link,” said Khaled after attending a Hari Raya Aidilfitri gathering organised by Johor Baru-Singapore taxi operators at Tropical Inn here yesterday.
He said a study on the proposal would look into the price of vessels to be used and the fare.
“If the Federal Government approves it, a study will be conducted and it could possibly begin operations next year.
“But, it will depend on its viability, the price of ferries and proposed charges.
“I believe with the Pengerang (second from left) greeting taxi drivers and
in project and Desaru Coast development that will begin next year, the water taxis will be an attraction for Singaporeans.”
Khaled said the service would be a more viable option compared with the current passenger ferry service between Changi and Tanjung Belungkor, Pengerang.
The service has seen a low number of passengers since it began in the early 1990s.
Tanjung Belungkor is 95km from here, while Kong Kong is 40km away.
Khaled said the proposal involved adding another service route to Kong Kong from Changi. Datuk Redza Rafiq president Datuk Abdul Rahim Md Ariff Taiping Zoo and Night Safari yesterday. the upgrading.
Taiping Zoo and Night Safari director Dr Kevin Lazarus said: “The upgrading project will ensure that the physiological and physical aspects of the animals are taken care of.
“The final phase of the project will focus on the zoo’s landscape.”
Currently, travellers can head to Batam and Tanjung Belungkor from the Changi ferry terminal.
Khaled said a new ferry terminal in Kong Kong could bring more development to the settlement near Sungai Johor and spur the use of public transport, including taxis, in the area.
He said water taxis could complement upcoming links between the state and Singapore.
“This includes the government’s effort to introduce a Rapid Transit System, which is in its final stages of discussion and will connect Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit line to Bukit Chagar here.”
In 2010, NCIA began upgrading the zoo, which included a new administrative-cum-visitor discovery centre, shaded walkways and viewing areas, installation of informative and interactive signage, and enhanced low-illumination lighting systems for the night safari.