PUTRAJAYA: The long and arduous journey experienced by those commuting between Johor and Singapore via the Causeway and the Second Link has underlined the need for a third bridge.
Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar said the issue continues to plague motorists, with heavy traffic becoming even worse during festive seasons.
“The recent interest by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in reviving the ‘crooked bridge’ project from Malaysia to Singapore seems to have received mostly opposing and negative views.
“However, in my opinion, Malaysia and Singapore is in dire need of a third bridge, crooked or otherwise,” he said in a statement.
Xavier nevertheless agreed with Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, who had said that a third bridge was not an immediate priority due to the current economic conditions.
“That said, a third bridge connecting both countries should always be considered in an effort to improve connectivity and reduce congestion.
“This is something that I am sure the Singapore government will consider for the mutual long term benefit of both countries,” he said.
Xavier said having listened to the feedback of both Johoreans and Singaporeans on the matter over the years, a proposed third bridge could be considered from Pasir Gudang, Johor connecting to Pulau Punggol Barat, Singapore.
“I learnt from them that the Johor Straits is narrowest at this point,” he added.
Other locations, Xavier said, were also welcomed, depending on the viability and cost factors.
“Whether the bridge is crooked on the Malaysian side or otherwise, it doesn’t matter. After all, the country does have its own crooked bridge in the form of the Second Penang Bridge.
“If we have three bridges (in Johor) in the future, I strongly believe that travel between the two countries would be a breeze,” he said.
The crooked bridge, or its official name Jambatan Indah, spanning 1.4km, was meant to replace the 1.06km Johor Causeway, which has been in use since 1923.
The project was dropped in 2006 when Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi became the fifth prime minister.
Tunku Mahkota Johor (TMJ) Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim was also reported recently saying it would be better for the government to improve healthcare and proceed with the construction of a hospital in Pasir Gudang instead ofthe crooked bridge project.
The proposed 300-bed, RM500-million hospital, was approved under the 11th Malaysia Plan, with a 20.23ha plot of land in Jalan Gunung in the Bandar Seri Alam township identified as the site.
However, in May, the state government announced that it was among several projects being reviewed.