KUALA LUMPUR: The third link between Malaysia and Singapore need not necessarily be in the form of existing links between both nations.
Instead, it could be in the form of a rail link or a connection which is more feasible, said economist Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam.
The former Transport Ministry secretary general said what is crucial right now is for the Malaysian government to consult it’s counterpart across the causeway on the third link.
“First, both countries will have to agree that there is a need to look into this concern over the massive congestion at the Causeway and at Tuas.
“Second, establish whether there is a need to build another link to address the problem.
“(And) third, to establish what kind of link is needed. It does not need to be a bridge; it could be an undersea tunnel or railway link, which seems feasible as we already have the system. See what is feasible, effective and that could bring maximum benefit,” he told the NST.
He said both nations must work on it together, rather than it just being one-sided.
Asked on whether it seemed that only Malaysia was keen on the third bridge, he replied; “Well, it appears so. But if you ask them (Singapore), they may say yes.
“If they do not agree to it, then you cannot proceed with the idea. Maybe there are reasons why they refused.
“Nonetheless, we should explore the possibilities. The people, who are suffering every day, have the right to know why the Malaysian and Singaporean governments could not examine this matter; whether there is a need to have a (additional) link or not,” he said.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Graduate School of Business principal fellow Prof Datuk Dr John Anthony Xavier said a third bridge connecting Johor and Singapore would ease the massive congestion at the Causeway and the second link at Tuas.
He said the need for the third bridge can be demonstrated by the incessant delays and congestion at the existing links, which was further compounded when holiday and festive seasons come around.
“Yes, we need the additional bridge, besides upgrading the existing ones at Tuas and the Causeway (links). The new bridge will surely ease the congestion, which has cost time and money for commuters as well as for the cargo traffic that plies both the existing bridges.
“The shortening of commuter time will enable easier and greater flow of talent across the two countries, subsequently reducing the cost of overland transport.”
He said the infrastructure development involved and ancillary infrastructure supporting the bridge would also be good for the economic growth of both Malaysia and Singapore.
Xavier further said the new bridge could also promote tourism across both countries.
“Currently, for example, tourists flying into Singapore who plan day trips as far as Melaka are put off given the time it takes to make the crossing.
“Hence, with an additional bridge, these tourist excursions to Johor, Melaka and beyond will be further intensified.
"This will benefit the communities that rely on tourism along the related routes,” he said.
On Saturday, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Osman Sapian said the state was in dire need of a new bridge connecting Singapore to ease the critical traffic congestion at the Causeway and Tuas.
He said the worsening traffic situation at the two entry points into the country required a long-term solution to ensure that Malaysia’s economic development was not affected.
For that, Osman said the state government would discuss the matter with the Finance Ministry, Home Ministry and the Works Ministry next month to find a solution to the problem, with one of the suggestion was to build a third bridge to Singapore.
On March 19, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was quoted as saying that Malaysia and Singapore would need at least three to four bridges to ensure smooth traffic flow between the two countries.