Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates: https://t.me/mothershipsg
Johor Menteri Besar (chief minister) Onn Hafiz Ghazi reaffirmed Johor's commitment to ensure smooth traffic and to solve congestion problems at the two land crossings between Johor and Singapore.
He said the congestion problem at the Johor Causeway has been going on for decades, and is a problem that needs to be solved immediately, Bernama reported.
"It is a very important issue, it is a legacy issue and has been going on for the past two to three decades," Onn Hafiz said.
"As the new Menteri Besar (chief minister) of Johor, it is my objective to ensure that this issue is resolved this year."
Made surprise CIQ inspections
Onn Hafiz was previously seen performing surprise inspections at the Malaysian side of the Causeway.
The findings were not up to expectations, to say the least.
In his speech at the opening ceremony of a manufacturing plant, Onn Hafiz made reference to these surprise visits.
"That is why many Johoreans will often see me at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex at 5am," he said.
He added that the traffic congestion is amongst a list of issues that the state government is also trying to resolve, including improving the roads in Johor.
Improvements on the way
Onn Hafiz said prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had announced recently that the federal government approved around RM$500 million (approximately S$146.8 million) for the first phase of the improvements, which will widen the North-South Expressway.
He added that Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi also approved an additional RM$40 million (approximately S$11.7 million) for the roads in Johor.
"On top of that, we are also working with the federal and Singapore governments to maybe, look into providing a ferry shuttle from Tuas to Kota Iskandar," he said.
Related stories
Top photo via Facebook