Johor aims for third link with Singapore

JOHOR BARU: Johor will submit a ferry terminal service proposal to the federal government this year in its efforts to start a third link with Singapore.
Mentri Besar Datuk Mohamed Khaled Nordin said this after attending a Hari Raya gathering organised by the management of the Larkin bus and taxi terminal at a hotel here today.
"The proposed ferry terminal site will be at Kong-Kong, Masai, and will be a third link for Johor and Singapore after the Causeway and Second Link in Tanjung Pelepas," he added.
He said the ferry service is not only for passengers, but also to transport cars.
"With this, we will have a water taxi service between Kong-Kong and Changi ferry terminal in Singapore," Mohamed Khaled said.
He added it will take about 20 minutes to reach Changi ferry terminal via the Kong-Kong waterway, which will help ease the heavy traffic flow on the existing two crossings.
He said Kong-Kong is a suitable site for a ferry terminal site as it is located at the eastern part of Johor and will be complimented with the two checkpoints at the southern part of Johor.
"If we get the green light from the federal government, preparatory works may start next year," Mohamed Khaled said.
Earlier, Mohd Najib Abd. Rahman, chairman of the terminal management, said there are 400 taxi operators travelling from JB to Singapore daily from the terminal.
"Our biggest challenge is the traffic jam at the JB Causeway as it takes us about two to three hours to go through the two checkpoints (JB Causeway and Woodlands checkpoint) before driving into Singapore," he said.