Malaysia's federal government has allocated RM168.7 million (S$48.7 million) to ease the traffic congestion on the Johor side of the Causeway.

One of country's Deputy Prime Ministers, Sri Fadillah Yusof, said on Oct. 11 that four measures will be put in place, according to Malay Mail.

There will also be entry incentives for Malaysia's immigration department officers who are on duty at the immigration checkpoints.

The new funding is in addition to the earlier allocation of RM741.3 million (S$222 million) in March 2023.

Four new measures to ease congestion

1. 77 new automated border control systems

77 new Secured Automated Clearance System for Malaysian Citizen Motorcyclists (M-BIKE) routes will be constructed.

44 new M-BIKE lanes at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex will be added in the customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) complexes at Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) at the northern end of Johor Causeway.

An additional 33 M-BIKE lanes will be constructed at the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) at the Second Link.

2. New covered pedestrian walkway

A covered pedestrian walkway along the Johor side of the Causeway will also be built.

3. Upgrading Sultan Abu Bakar Complex

The allocated funding will also be used to upgrade Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB), including combining halls and constructing new projects.

In total, these upgrades will cost RM106.9 million (S$30.85 million).

4. Incentives to immigration checkpoint officers

Entry incentives of RM7.93 million (S$2.29 million) will be granted to Immigration Department officers of various grades who are on duty at the land border entrances.

Fadillah said that there will be more discussions with the country's Public Service Department to extend these incentives to immigration department officers in Sabah and Sarawak.

The incentives aim to provide welfare for the officers, in line with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Malaysia Madani, or Civil Malaysia, framework.

Anwar's Malaysia Madani

Malaysia Madani is Anwar's slogan which he introduced on Jan. 19, shortly after when he was inaugurated as Malaysia's new prime minister in November 2022.

According to Anwar, "Madani" is an acronym which comprises of six core values, which are sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust and compassion.

He said that Malaysia needs to build a humane economy that prioritises the needs of its citizens to achieve economic growth and development.

Tackling traffic congestion

In September 2023, there were massive traffic congestions, with traffic jams that lasted for eight, or even nine hours.

Anwar claimed on Sep. 16 that Malaysia had done its part to ease the Causeway traffic congestion, and that clearance at Johor Bahru side of the Causeway is faster.

In response, Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoint Authority said in a media statement on Sep. 30 that heavy traffic congestion is not caused by Singapore.

You can view Fadillah's post on X (formerly Twitter) here:

Kerajaan setuju lulus peruntukan RM168.70 juta bagi tangani kesesakan di pintu2 masuk negara, merangkumi 3 projek fizikal, & satu insentif pintu masuk bagi pegawai imigresen pelbagai gred di pintu masuk negara

Disertakan Kenyataan Media penuh saya dibawah; pic.twitter.com/xbkX3l7MFY

— Fadillah Yusof 🇲🇾 (@PetraJayaMP) October 11, 2023

Top image from Wikimedia Commons.

@mothershipsg In Aug. 2023, Taiwan warned of a surge in tensions, as a record number of Chinese fighter jets crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait. #sgnews #tiktoksg #taiwan ♬ original sound - Mothership

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