Mini-CIQ for pedestrians to be built next year (2011)

Good news for Malaysians working in Singapore.


Nonetheless, let us not be overjoyed just yet. If Barisan Nasional wants to fish their votes, they better put words into deeds.


Let me keep this in my checklist and see if BN actually cash the cheque by 2011.


Mini-CIQ for pedestrians to be built next year


By FARIK ZOLKEPLI



April 11, 2010


JOHOR BARU: Construction of a mini Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex dedicated to pedestrians is expected to start early next year, says Johor Baru MP Datuk Shahrir Samad.


He said discussions between Home Ministry officials, state non-governmental organisations, the police, state assemblymen in Johor Baru as well as city councillors show positive signs in implementing the project.


Shahrir said closed-door discussions, which had been held three times, were chaired by Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mahmood Adam. Others who attended were himself and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan.


“In the latest meeting, the IGP had concluded that the mini-CIQ would not pose any security threat to the state or the country.


“We are optimistic that the project will get under way after we iron out some technical issues,” Shahrir told newsmen yesterday.


He said that among the technical matters were the issue of land near the Causeway, which is owned by the state government, the size and design of the complex, cost as well as whether the complex could cater to both in-bound and out-bound traffic.


He added that the proposed mini-CIQ for pedestrians was first brought up in 2008 after the public complained about traffic congestion and the lack of facilities for pedestrians.


“Most Johore folk and businesses want this facility. It can also revive businesses in the Johor Baru city centre which took a drastic hit when the new CIQ opened,” he said. Presently, traffic via the new CIQ flows to the Stulang area.


Shahrir said the mini-CIQ would afford convenience for pedestrians travelling to and from Singapore via the Causeway.


Currently, public transport commuters leave the CIQ through Johor Baru Central and City Square, requiring a long walk to the nearest bus stop.


In January last year, Shahrir, who was the then Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister, had proposed utilising the old CIQ for pedestrian traffic, which could be the solution for the long walk public transport users had to endure at the new CIQ.