I have been a regular visitor to Malaysia for the past 15 years. During winter back home in Austria, I will spend many months in this beautiful country.
I am always interested in its political and social developments.
Recently, there has been much written about the situation at the border between Malaysia and Singapore.
Contrary to the statements that have been given, I believe that a new bridge or even better technical equipment at the checkpoint will not bring about the desired solution.
Based on past experiences, new roads will bring about more traffic.
The only solution to the Causeway chaos will be a border agreement between the countries, something similar to the Schengen Agreement for the European Union (EU).
The agreement, signed in 1985, initially involved five countries but it soon expanded to 26 EU states.
It did away with passports and other documents at their mutual borders due to a single-visa policy. It was done to facilitate international travel.
If I remember correctly, there have been opinions that a regulation similar to the Schengen Agreement could lead to easier travel for all countries under Asean.
Could an agreement between Malaysia and Singapore on such a policy be the first step and set a good example for other Asean countries to follow?
One only has to think of the heavy toll the situation takes on the people who commute between Malaysia and Singapore, which the New Straits Times described in its reports.
This is compounded by the fact that the congestion causes tonnes of fumes and carbon dioxide to pollute the air.
I think it will be a noble task for NST to “air” such a solution and bring the public to support it.
Ernst Strohmeyer
Linz, Austria (presently in Kuala Lumpur)