IN FOCUS: Johor’s abuzz over a proposed T-shaped integrated transport network that could boost its SEZ with Singapore

“It has always been Malaysia’s vision to invest heavily in rail because this is a safe deposit for the country, every high-tech investment zone has their own rail transport system,” said Assoc Prof Nor Aziati. 

She outlined how Shenzhen, which Johor wants to emulate, has a high-speed rail system linked to Guangzhou and Hong Kong, as well as efficient tram and metro systems. 

“Johor, which is an important economic corridor for the country, needs an efficient railway network,” she added. 

SHOULD RESOLVING JOHOR’S TRANSPORT WOES BE PRIORITISED OVER OTHER PARTS OF MALAYSIA? 

Johor’s state government exco member Mr Mohamad Fazli told CNA that there is an urgent need for the rail transport system to be implemented because of how the congestion issues at the Causeway, as well as in and around Johor Bahru town centre, have worsened. 

He said that based on studies conducted by the state government as well as Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), a statutory body set up by the federal government to oversee the development of the area, the level of congestion in Johor Bahru is at the same level as that of the Klang Valley, an urban area in the state of Selangor, and around the capital city Kuala Lumpur.

“There are push and pull factors that have worsened the traffic situation. The state of Malaysia’s exchange rate (low value in comparison to the Singapore dollar) has persuaded many Johoreans to work in Singapore and they commute daily at the Causeway. On the other hand, many Singaporeans come to Johor because our prices of goods are lower,” said Mr Mohamad Fazli. 

“We have communicated this to the transport minister Anthony (Loke) and the Ministry has agreed that the traffic congestion in Johor Bahru is at the same level as congestion in the Klang Valley, and they will be tackled by a special task force chaired by Deputy Prime Minister One (Ahmad Zahid Hamidi),” he added. 

The inconveniences of commuting across the land checkpoints between Johor and Singapore have been well documented. 

The situation improved recently following monitoring by the Johor state government as well as more immigration officers being deployed at the immigration checkpoints at the Woodlands Causeway and Second Link.