People prefer a third link between Malaysia, S’pore

JOHOR BARU: The people in Johor believe that it would be better to have a third link between Malaysia and Singapore than to replace the Causeway with a “crooked bridge”.

The New Straits Times spoke to people from all walks of life and it was clear that they thought poorly of spending what they said would be a large amount of taxpayers’ money to build the crooked bridge.

The money, they said, would be better spent building another bridge, which would ease traffic at the Causeway and Second Link.

Faiz Mustaffa, 30, who works in Singapore, said it would make more sense to build a third link in Pasir Gudang, as had been proposed before.

“This will ease traffic congestion in Sri Stulang and Pasir Gudang. It also benefits Singaporeans as they can use this third link, easing congestion on the Causeway.

“Even if the government builds the crooked bridge, it will not help with the traffic if the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex is not upgraded.”

Retired soldier Rafizul Sulaiman, 58, urged the government to study the issue first.

“Whether it is a third bridge or a crooked bridge, if it benefits the people then go ahead. But if it doesn’t, then the government needs to look into other options.”

Universiti Teknologi Mara public engineering student Nurdinie Hanis Roslan Zaidi, 19, said a third link should be the government’s priority.

“A crooked bridge would likely cost more than a third link, but the function would be the same: to ease congestion. But having a third link would be better in easing congestion.”

Chemical engineering student Umaira Iman Hairi, 19, said a new link would be the best bet as it would make things easier for Malaysians working in the republic.

On Tuesday, Menteri Besar Datuk Osman Sapian said the government planned to go ahead with the crooked bridge project, mooted by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, before he retired in 2003.

Whether it is a third bridge or a crooked bridge, if it benefits the people then go ahead. But if it doesn’t, then the government needs to look into other options. RAFIZUL SULAIMAN

Retired soldier