Thumbs down for air-cond walkway

PETALING JAYA: The Johor government has been criticised for its plan to build a RM30 million air-conditioned walkway at the Causeway.

Commuters who walk along the Causeway to Singapore daily for work before the Covid-19 pandemic struck said it would be a waste of resources.

Others said that air-conditioning is not necessary as the covered walkway would provide pedestrians with adequate protection against the elements and be cost effective.

Some said that the money should instead be used to speed up the construction of the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) or provide more lanes at the Customs checkpoint.

A warehouse assistant, who only wished to be known as Raj, said the walkway is not necessary, in light of the country’s current economic situation.

“I would say it’s a waste of time and money. We Malaysians have been walking (to Singapore) for a long time and never once did we ask for this walkway,” he told theSun yesterday.

Raj said the walk from one checkpoint to the other is not long and does not justify its price tag of RM30 million.

Building information modelling architect Megat Muhammad Aiman said the walkway could prove useful to those who prefer walking, but noted that it would need to be planned efficiently.

“It’s useful for pedestrians like me, since I always prefer walking to waiting for buses, and I can reach the other side within 20 minutes.

“Air-conditioning is not necessary. Louvre overhangs and a proper shelter will ensure good ventilation and protection from the rain. A travelator should be added to make it disabled-friendly.”

Megat said to prevent the walkway from eventually becoming congested, it should be built on both sides of the Causeway or in two decks to cater to traffic flowing in opposing directions.

Music teacher Jerry Lee said that maintenance of air conditioners would also be an issue.

“Air conditioning is not needed. It is unlikely that it will be properly maintained. It’s a bit of a waste. You will only see pedestrians if the jam is too severe and if the RTS is going to be built, then it’ll be needed less.”

Netizens such as Facebook user Amy Chong said that congestion could be solved by opening up more lanes at the Customs checkpoints instead.

Many netizens said the authorities should first address the issue of border restrictions, which have separated thousands of families.

Meanwhile, economist Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam urged the government to consult the public before making a decision that may result in unnecessary expenditure.

“There must be studies and surveys conducted before making a decision. The process has to be holistic and take into account many points of view, or else it may just end up as a white elephant.”

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