KUALA LUMPUR: Stakeholders in Johor have mixed views about the initiatives presented by the Special Cabinet Committee on the Johor Causeway Congestion.
Some welcomed the initiatives, such as a single border agency at the two checkpoints, while others expressed their frustration at the solutions as the traffic jams have been a perennial problem.
Iskandar Regional Development Authority chief executive Datuk Ismail Ibrahim said he was aware about challenges in addressing the traffic woes, but the initiatives were a good start.
“We applaud the proposal by the Home Ministry and the committee to centralise border control under one agency, as this can improve operational control. There will be faster action taken on issues at the border.”
He said accessibility, connectivity and mobility between Malaysia and Singapore were vital, and this was complemented by rapid growth in the Iskandar Malaysia corridor in southern Johor in the last decade.
Malaysian Association of Hotels Johor chapter and Johor Tourism Association chairman Ivan Teo said there were options the government could consider without having to exhaust many resources.
“For instance, we could increase ferry trips between ports. There are many ports that can be alternatives to road transport in Johor, which can ease congestion.
“We should also look into reducing clearance time at Immigration. Why aren’t we exploring electronic clearances, especially during peak periods? It is faster than having Immigration officers working round the clock.
“Right now, the congestion is a deterrent for people to pick Johor as a tourist destination. This is not good for our business and the country’s economy.”
Commuter Razali Tompang, who founded online community group Southern Vengers, said the proposal to expand the entrance to the checkpoints should have been done five years ago.
“Malaysia should have followed what the Singaporean authorities did by implementing ‘multi-purpose’ usage of their Immigration zones. Lorry zones can be converted to clear bikers during peak hours.”
He was frustrated at the government’s slow response to the problems faced by commuters.
“The meeting decided on things that needed to be studied and decided again in the future. It achieves nothing. We know what needs to be fixed. We want the government to start working and implementing them.”
Felicia Ng, who operates the JB Tracer group of commuters, said widening the Causeway would not resolve the problems if many Immigration counters were closed during peak hours.
“The authorities must increase manpower and operate 100 per cent of the counters during peak hours as this will cut congestion by half. Very often, only 40 to 60 per cent of the counters are in operation during peak hours.
“But building a walkway at the Causeway is a brilliant idea as most times, buses are stuck in the jam and commuters will have the option to walk without fearing being hit by vehicles.”