ISKANDAR PUTERI: The state government has requested an allocation of RM30 million for the construction of a pedestrian walkway on the Causeway.
State Public Works, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman Mohd Solihan Badri said the request was submitted earlier this year and is currently being studied by the federal government.
"Initially, we solicited RM15 million for the project, but the amount was increased after a redesign, which will include escalators and air conditioning.
"Under the proposal, the walkway will measure 350m and ends at the border with Singapore," said Solihan.
He was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Johor State Assembly proceeding here.
Earlier in the proceeding, Solihan said the state is still awaiting Putrajaya's green light for the project.
He said this when responding to a written question from Andrew Chen Kah Eng (PH-Stulang) who asked about the progress of the project.
To an additional question from Chen, Solihan said the Singaporean government has shown interest in extending the proposed walkway to its side of the Causeway.
When speaking to the media later, Solihan said he recently met with Singapore Consulate officials who expressed interest in the project.
"They asked for the design of the walkway so that they can submit a proposal to their government. They are also concerned with the comfort of pedestrians who cross the Causeway."
Solihan said the state government will carry out the project quickly once the project is approved.
The construction of a pedestrian walkway is one of the proposals made by the Special Committee on Causeway Congestion to reduce crowding at the checkpoint.