JOHOR BARU: The Johor Causeway's 100th anniversary is a celebration of the enduring friendship and neighbourly spirit between Malaysia and Singapore.
The Causeway, linking the two neighbouring countries, marked its centennial anniversary today with a ceremony full of symbolism, highlighting the strong ties between the two nations.
The celebrations were held at the foundation stone between Johor Baru and Singapore, which was laid a century ago. The Causeway was officially opened on June 28, 1924.
The foundation stone at the mid-point of the Johor and Woodlands Causeway, called Zero Mile, is also known as Zero Point.
The ceremony was graced by His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, the Regent of Johor, Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, and Singapore's Foreign Minister, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.
Together, they released 100 doves, symbolising the close-knit relationship, shared friendships, aspirations for peace and prosperity, and mutual respect, between Malaysia and Singapore.
Both Onn Hafiz and Dr Balakrishnan exchanged commemorative plaques engraved with the Johor Causeway's 100th anniversary emblem, marking a century of connectivity and cooperation, witnessed by Tunku Ismail.
Also present were state executive council members, their Singapore counterparts, and other dignitaries.
Following the brief, and at times poignant ceremony, the Johor delegation toured the '100 Years History of Johor Causeway' exhibition, held at Muzium Tokoh Johor in Bukit Senyum.
Onn Hafiz said the celebration was significant, as the iconic 1,056m Causeway connecting Johor to Singapore symbolised the century-old shared heritage and cooperation between the two countries.
"Today, we celebrate the Causeway's 100th anniversary. This occasion holds great meaning for the people of Johor, Malaysia, and Singapore.
"It is more than a physical bridge…it embodies the strong and enduring relationship between our nations," he said at Muzium Tokoh Johor.
"The celebration represents the close friendship and solidarity between Malaysia and Singapore.
"The Johor Causeway not only connects Johor Baru and Singapore, but has been instrumental in facilitating the daily commutes of millions, and fostering the strong economic and cultural exchanges between our peoples," he said.
He added that the shared aspirations were clear – to see these bonds grow even stronger.
Onn Hafiz also took the opportunity to apologise to motorists whose commutes may have been delayed due to the celebrations.
Onn Hafiz and his delegation later performed Friday prayers at the Teluk Belanga Mosque in Singapore before visiting the Woodlands Civic Centre for the Singapore part of the celebrations.
The Causeway's history dates back to the 1920s, when construction began, to address the pressing need for a reliable land connection between the Malay Peninsula and Singapore, crucial for transporting goods to the latter's burgeoning port.
Before its construction, travel and trade between the two were by ferries and sampans. Completed and officially opened on June 28, 1924, the Causeway was built using 1.15 million cubic metres of granite, transforming the landscape, and commerce, in the region.
The opening was officiated by the late Sultan Sir Ibrahim Sultan Abu Bakar of Johor.
Today's celebration, led by his great-great-grandson, Tunku Ismail, reflects the enduring legacy and importance of this marvel of engineering.
Over the past century, the Johor Causeway has stood as a testament to the enduring relationship between Malaysia and Singapore, facilitating not just transportation, but also the robust socio-economic ties that bind the two nations.