The GSB Project involves the relocation of the existing Customs, Immigration and Quarantine ("CIQ") facilities to the present Johor Bahru railway station at Bukit Chagar and to replace part of the Causeway with a road bridge and a rail bridge, including the construction of other related infrastructure and amenities on a fast-track basis. GERBANG has been appointed by the Government of Malaysia (the "Government") as the Design & Build contractor for the GSB Project.

The Johor Causeway (the "Causeway"), built in 1920 and officially opened in 1924 is frequently congested and no longer adequate in catering to the increasing level of traffic between Malaysia and Singapore. The Causeway suffers from traffic congestion during peak hours, public holidays and festivals. The main focus of the road network in Johor Bahru is in the Johor Bahru Central Business District ("Johor Bahru CBD"), which has evolved around the Causeway linking to Singapore. Thus, the traffic pattern in Johor Bahru CBD is very much connected to what happens at the Causeway.
The official site (http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/)

PROJECT SITE

The site is located at Bukit Chagar, Johor Bahru and covers an estimated area of 106.632 acres with the new CIQ Complex occupying about half the area size, while the balance would be used for constructing supporting facilities.

The new CIQ Complex will be constructed to the northeast of the existing Johor Bahru Railway Station and is about 0.7 kilometres from the present CIQ facilities.

Johor (Malaysia)
^
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'
http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//story_images/pinfo_masterplan03.jpg
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'
V
Singapore

> The main CIQ Building

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//story_images/pinfo_ciqcomplex.gif

> The Johor Bahru Sentral Terminal
(comprising the City Railway and Public Transit stations).

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//story_images/pinfo_jbsentral.gif

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/20050111/20050111_09.jpg http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/20050106/20050106_10.jpg http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/20040302/20040302_05.jpg http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/20040226/20040226_01.jpg http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/20040214/20040214_06.jpg http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/20031003/20031003_03.jpg

Visit by YAB Dato' Abdul Ghani Othman
Menteri Besar Johor
> 20 November 2003


OTHER WORKING VISITS

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/20050106/20050106_08.jpg http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/20041212/20041212_07.jpg http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/20040906/20040906_05.jpg

quite nice project

:applause:

Samy: Come up with new bridge design




JOHOR BARU: The developer of the RM2.3bil Integrated Southern Gateway project here and the Public Works Department have been asked to come out with an alternative design for the proposed bridge to replace the Causeway.

Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, in issuing the directive said the move was necessary to ensure the project was not delayed merely because Malaysia and Singapore had failed to agree on the design of the bridge.

“If both sides fail to reach agreement, we will continue with this (contingency plan).

“We will demolish the causeway on our side of the border and from there, we will build a bridge which will be 18m above sea level to enable small ships to pass through,” he said here yesterday.

Samy Vellu was earlier briefed on the progress of the project at its site office in Bukit Cagar here.

The minister said the developer, Gerbang Perdana Sdn Bhd and the PWD have been given until May 3 to submit the alternative design of the bridge, which he would submit to the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) and his deputy (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak).

Samy Vellu said the bridge would be straight, adding that it would be more suitable than the original curved design desired by Singapore.





http://thestar.com.my/archives/2005/4/24/nation/n_08vellu.jpg

PROGRESS REPORT: Samy Vellu taking a closer look at the model of the bridge during his visit to the Integrated Southern Gateway project in Johor Baru yesterday.







Work on the bridge, to replace the 1.5km-long Causeway, failed to take off when Singapore disagreed about the project several years back.

This standoff prompted Malaysia to “go it alone” with then prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad saying there was no choice but to opt for a “curved” bridge due to environmental and commercial necessities.

The project encompasses a Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex, together with a swing railway bridge and a traffic bridge, which were all scheduled for completion in 2007.

The construction of the CIQ complex, which started in 2003, is 63% completed, said Samy Vellu.

“I don’t know what the status of the negotiation is, but I think we cannot be made to wait for their agreement,” Samy Vellu said.

Working visit by YB Dato’ Seri S. Samy Vellu, Minister of Works to Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu (GSB) project office at Johor Bahru on
23 April 2005



On 23 April 2005, The Minister of Works Malaysia, YB Dato’ Seri S. Samy Vellu made a working visit to the Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu (GSB) project office at Johor Bahru. Accompanying the Minister was YB Dato’ Palaniel a/l K. Govindasamy, Deputy Minister of Women & Family Development, YB Dato’ Veerasingam a/l Suppiah, Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade & Consumer Affiars, Tan Sri Dato’ Ir. Hj. Zaini Omar, Director General of Public Works Department (PWD) and his deputy, Ir. Dr Judin Abdul Karim.

His arrival at the airport was received by YBhg Dato’ Ir. Mohd Noor Yaacob, Director of PWD Johor, Ir. Anton Sebastian, Construction Director of JKR for GSB Project, YBhg Dato Yahya A. Jalil, Managing Director of Gerbang Perdana Sdn Bhd (GPSB), YB Dato’ K.S. Balakrishnan, Chairman, MIC Johor State and YB Datuk Krishnasamy a/l Shiman, ADUN Johor (Tenggaroh).


http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_events/2005-04-25_01.jpg


On arrival at JB Office, YB Dato’ Seri was greeted by Tn. Hj. Azahar Abdul Aziz, Finance Director of Gerbang Perdana Sdn Bhd (GPSB), Tn Hj Rostam Razali, Operations Director of GPSB and representatives of PWD and staff of GPSB.


http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_events/2005-04-25_02.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_events/2005-04-25_03.jpg


His visit commenced at 11.20a.m. with a GSB Project Progress briefing and visual presentation by Ir. Anton Sebastian. The one-hour presentation included current work progress, a 4D visual scheduling model of the entire GSB project and Q&A session.

Subsequently, YB Dato’ Seri attended a 20 minutes press conference whereby YB Dato’ Seri expressed the need to have an alternative design of a bridge on Malaysian side of the causeway if talks between Malaysia and Singapore fail. GPSB and PWD were given until May 3 to submit the alternative design of the bridge.

Before ending the visit, YB Dato’ Seri and his entourage proceeded to the exhibition hall where they viewed the project model of GSB. Later, all guests bid their farewell at 1.00 p.m.

The new CIQ (Customs, Immigration and Quarantine) complex

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gerbang/story_images/gallery/DSC00135.jpg

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gerbang/story_images/ciq/west_elevation.jpg

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http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gerbang/story_images/ciq/front_elevation.jpg

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gerbang/story_images/gallery/DSC00136.jpg

Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ Complex ):

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-03/CIQ0305.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-03/CIQ-MCC0305.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-03/CIQ-fr-ICW-0305.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-01/RE-CIQ.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-02/LVS-Feb05.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-03/CWall0305.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-02/Prog-CwallFeb05.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-02/SS1_0205.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-01/ICW01.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/dec/513_1380.jpg

JOHOR BAHRU SENTRAL ( JBS ) :

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-02/JBS_0205.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/476_7652.jpg

GSB Master Plan

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/about/masterplanbig.jpg

Project Components

The GSB project involves the relocation of the existing Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) facilities to the present Johor Bahru railway station at Bukit Chagar and to replace part of the Causeway with a road bridge and a rail bridge, including the construction of other related infrastructure and amenities on a fast-track basis.

The project is implemented with due consideration to enviromental and aesthetic aspects. ICT is incorporated extensively into the design to support the agencies needs.

The components includes :

- CIQ Complex
- JB Sentral
- Road Bridge
- Rail Bridge
- Interchange No. 1
- Removal of Current Structures
- Navigational Channel Dredging


CIQ Complex


http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/about/image_large_ciq.jpg


The new CIQ Complex, with a total built up area of 232,000 sq. m. is designed to accommodate the increasing traffic flow at the Causeway in Johor Bahru.

The vehicle decks at the complex are at different levels providing clear segregation of traffic flow. The heavy vehicles use the periphery of the complex, and the next level up is dedicated to the light vehicles (i.e. cars and motorcycles), whereas the middle level, which is the highest vehicle deck is designated for buses and coaches.

Directly above the bus and coach deck is the passenger hall designed to accommodate 6,000 persons during peak periods.

The CIQ Complex office block caters for 15 government agencies, including Jabatan Kastam, Jabatan Imigresen, Jabatan Polis DiRaja Malaysia, Jabatan Perhilitan. The 4 storey office block above the vehicle decks provide approximately 60,000 sq. m. of office space.


A vast structure resembling the leaf of the "gambir" plant provides shelter over the car deck. This leaf structure flanks the T-shape, CIQ Complex office block, which is linked to the JB Sentral Terminal via a sky bridge, over Jalan Jim Quee.


JB Sentral
(consisting of city railway and public transit stations)

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/about/image_large_jbsentral.jpg


JB Sentral Terminal is sited on the northeast of the existing Johor Bahru Railway Station on KTMB land.

The JB Sentral was designed to upgrade the existing railway station at Johor Bahru in response to the increasing demand of rail commuters.

New bus and taxi pick up points are provided along Jalan Jim Quee to enhance this new rail station.

Two (2) multilevel car parks (comprising 726 car parking bays) are situated over both sides of the JB Sentral to provide parking facilities for the entire project.

As part of the new gateway, the JB Sentral will be located along Jalan Tun Abdul Razak. The new rail station sits over new tracks that will be connected to a swing bridge to cross the Straits of Johor to Singapore.


Road Bridge


http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/about/image_large_road.jpg


a) Length of 1.45 kilometres, comprising:
1. 350 metres of cable-stayed portion;
2. 500 metres of marine approach;
3. 600 metres of land approach to CIQ Complex.

b) Width of 34 metres
(current width of the Causeway is 24 metres)

The Road Bridge will have dual four (4) lane carriageways to accommodate light and heavy vehicles. A navigational span will be provided with a width of 75 metres and an air draught of 25 metres. The Road Bridge will be constructed of concrete.


Rail Bridge


http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/about/image_large_rail.jpg


Length of 700 metres with two (2) sections consisting of:

1. A steel swing bridge of 150 metres in length; and
2. marine approach of 550 metres in length from the mid-part of the Causeway over the Straits of Johor.

The swing bridge portion allows vessels to pass through the navigational channel and at the same time provide rail services to and from Singapore.

Contract Signing Of Road & Rail Bridge Of The GSB Project
01 August 2003 - Johor Bahru
By Anonymous


http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//story_images/event_report/20030801_03.jpg http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//story_images/event_report/20030801_01.jpg


The Government of Malaysia (represented by JKR) and Gerbang Perdana Sdn Bhd signed the contract for the Design, Completion and Commissioning of Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu Road Bridge, Rail Bridge and Associated works, Johor Bahru, Johor.

The Ceremony which was witnessed by the Honourable Prime Minister, YAB Dato Seri Dr.Mahathir Mohamad was held at Putrajaya. Signing on behalf of the Government was the Director General of JKR, YBhg. Tan Sri Dato' Zaini bin Omar and his deputy YBhg. Dato' Ir. Ng Chong Yuen. Gerbang Perdana was represented by the Chairman, YBhg. Tan Sri Razali Ismail and the Managing Director, Dato' Yahya A. Jalil. Also in attendance to witness the signing was the Minister of Works, YB Dato' Seri S. Samy Vellu, Second Finance Minister YB Dato' Dr. Jamaluddin Jarjis, Deputy Minister of Works YB Dato' Mohamad Khaled Nordin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs YB Dato' Dr. Leo Michael Toyad, Chief Minister of Johor YAB Dato' Hj Abdul Ghani Othman and other senior government officials.

In his speech, Y.Bhg. Tan Sri Zaini bin Omar expressed his satisfaction with the progress of works for the CIQ complex undertaken by Gerbang Perdana. He also stated his confidence that the Gerbang Team would be able to achieve completion of the Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu project according to schedule.

Tan Sri Zaini also thanked the Government for appointing JKR as the Project Director for the GSB project and pledged to undertake the assignment with full dedication and commitment.

The idea to replace the causeway with a bridge was initiated by the Prime Minister in July 1996 and this was acknowledged by both Y.Bhg. Tan Sri Zaini Omar and Y.Bhg. Tan Sri Razali in their speeches.

project presentation was followed by a presentation on JKR's auto access system, SKALA project monitoring system and i-supervision.

During the Press conference, YAB Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad expressed his hope that the bridge would be completed in time by December 31, 2005 and the contractor does a good job.

Launching Of Road & Rail Bridge Works Of The GSB Project
By Anonymous


http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/20030821/20030821_06.jpg


YAB Dato Seri Dr Mahathir Bin Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia did the honour of launching the construction of the Road and Rail Bridge of the Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu (GSB) Project in Johor Bahru. Earlier, Prime Minister, YAB Dato Seri Dr Mahathir Bin Mohamad officiated the new 13-storey Johor Customs which houses the State Customs department. Also present at the function were the Menteri Besar of Johor, YAB Dato' Hj. Abdul Ghani Othman, Second Finance Minister, YB Dato Dr. Jamaludin Jarjis, Customs Director General, Tan Sri Abdul Halil Abdul Mutalib, Public Works Director General, Tan Sri Dato Ir. Hj Zaini Omar, YBhg Tan Sri Razali Ismail, Chairman of Gerbang Perdana Sdn Bhd and other senior government officials.


http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/20030821/20030821_05.jpg


At the Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu bridge works launching ceremony, YAB Dato Seri Dr Mahathir was briefed on the work progress of the new Integrated Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex by the General Manager of Public Works Departments, Ir Anton Sebastian via video link-up followed by a live question & answer session between YAB Dato Seri Dr Mahathir and Ir. Anton Sebastian. Prior to that, video clips of the works undertaken at the construction site since commencement of the CIQ works in January 2003 at Bukit Chagar, Johor Bahru was also shown.

To commemorate the launching of the bridge works via a video link, two boulders were dropped into the sea. The rocks were part of the causeway foundation stone to signify "bridge abutment works" that have commenced on site. Project Director for the Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu project, En. Rostam Razali was on site at the causeway to brief YAB Dato Seri Dr Mahathir on the progress of works for the bridge. Fifty members from RELA were positioned along the causeway and on the barge waving flags. A huge Malaysian flag was hoisted by a crane, accompanied by applause from the 3,000 over audience viewing the launching via video-link at the Customs Tower.

At the ceremony, YAB Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir was presented with a slab of granite which was taken from the bottom of the Causeway. The granite, which was 80 years old was a symbolic memento of the nostalgic "Tambak Johor" which was built in 1920.

The construction of the 1.4 kilometer bridge is part of the Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu project, undertaken by Gerbang Perdana Sdn Bhd, the Contractor for the project. The road bridge is expected to be completed in 2005.

Nice................

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/3dvisual/pglry_3d_overall01.jpg
http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/3dvisual/pglry_3d_overall02.jpg
http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/3dvisual/pglry_3d_jbs01.jpg JB sentral entrance
http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/3dvisual/pglry_3d_interchange01.jpg
http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/3dvisual/pglry_3d_interior01.jpg Interior of CIQ complex
http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/3dvisual/pglry_3d_interior02.jpg interior ciq
http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/3dvisual/pglry_3d_outdoor01.jpg exterior
http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/3dvisual/pglry_3d_outdoor02.jpg
http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/3dvisual/pglry_3d_skybridge01.jpg
http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/3dvisual/pglry_3d_skybridge02.jpg

Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ Complex ):
Apr 2005
All earthworks and piling works for CIQ Complex have been completed.Precast column, beam and slab construction are proceeding and reinforced concrete work for lift cores and retaining walls are in progress. A few mock-up works for Finishes, Mechanical & ICT have been carried out.




http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-04/CIQ0405.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-04/CIQ-fr-ICW0405-.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-04/LVSApr05.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-04/LVNApr05.jpg


JOHOR BAHRU SENTRAL ( JBS ) :

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-04/JBS_0405-.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-04/JBS_ClS.jpg

by Jason Devadason

http://img111.echo.cx/img111/7603/image0004711ha.jpg

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/20040226/20040226_03.jpg

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/20050111/20050111_06.jpg

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http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/20030626/20030626_08.jpg

> Project site location : Bukit Chagar, Johor Bahru
> Commencement of work : January 2003
> Project site area : 107.410 acres
> CIQ built-up area : 57.39 acres

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/20040116/20040116_04.jpg


http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/20050423/20050423_06.jpg

PREFACE


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The Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu (GSB) Project involves the relocation of the existing Customs, Immigration and Quarantine ("CIQ") facilities to the present Johor Bahru railway station at Bukit Chagar and to replace part of the Causeway with a road bridge and a rail bridge, including the construction of other related infrastructure and amenities on a fast-track basis. GERBANG has been appointed by the Government of Malaysia (the "Government") as the Design & Build contractor for the GSB Project.

The Johor Causeway (the "Causeway"), built in 1919 and officially opened in 1924 is frequently congested and no longer adequate in catering to the increasing level of traffic between Malaysia and Singapore. The Causeway suffers from traffic congestion during peak hours, public holidays and festivals. The main focus of the road network in Johor Bahru is in the Johor Bahru Central Business District ("Johor Bahru CBD"), which has evolved around the Causeway linking to Singapore. Thus, the traffic pattern in Johor Bahru CBD is very much connected to what happens at the Causeway.



CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS

- 05 JULY 1996, the Prime Minister (former Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad) announced a new bridge to replace the Causeway.

- 24 DECEMBER 1999, GERBANG submitted a privatisation proposal for the Southern International Gateway ("SIG") Project to the Economic Planning Unit ("EPU").

- 01 NOVEMBER 2001, the Government directed GERBANG to consider an alternative proposal to the SIG Project and with this, the Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu (the "GSB") Project came into existence.

- 04 DECEMBER 2001, EPU issued a letter of award for the GSB Project to be undertaken on a combination of turnkey and privatisation basis subject to a detailed proposal being submitted. Pursuant to this, on 10 January 2002 , GERBANG submitted a turnkey proposal to EPU.

- 12 MARCH 2002, the Ministry of Finance issued a letter of award to GERBANG for the GSB Project to be undertaken on a design and build basis.

- 02 APRIL 2003, Jabatan Kerja Raya ("JKR") issued the letter of acceptance to GERBANG for the design, construction, completion and commissioning of the Integrated CIQ Complex at Johor Bahru, Johor, (the "CIQ Project") for a contract sum of RM1.266 billion, with effective Site Possession date of 01 January 2003.

- 07 MAY 2003, a signing ceremony was held at Putrajaya in connection with the execution of the contract with the Government for the CIQ Project. The signing was witnessed by YAB Timbalan Perdana Menteri and senior Government officials.

- 01 AUGUST 2003, JKR issued the letter of acceptance to GERBANG for the design, construction, completion and commissioning of the Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu Road Bridge, Rail Bridge and Associated Works at Johor Bahru, Johor (the "Bridge Project") for a contract sum of RM1.113 billion, with effective Site Possession date of 01 January 2003.

The contract signing ceremony was also held on the same date, witnessed by YAB Perdana Menteri and senior Government officials at Pejabat Perdana Menteri, Putrajaya.

Working Visit By YAB Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Prime Minister of Malaysia
06 June 2005 - Sofitel Hotel, Johor Bahru
By Shendia Chan


On 6 June 2005, The Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi made an aerial visit to the Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu (GSB) project site at Johor Bahru. Accompanying the Prime Minister in the helicopter was YAB Dato’ Hj. Abdul Ghani Othman, Menteri Besar Johor, YB Dato’ Yahya A. Jalil, Managing Director of Gerbang Perdana Sdn Bhd (GPSB) and YBhg Dato’ Lim Kang Hoo, Executive Vice Chairman of Ekovest Bhd.

His arrival at Sofitel was received by YB Dato’ Mustapa Mohamed, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, YB Dato’ Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Minister of Entrepreneurial and Cooperative Development, YB Datuk Dr. Chua Soi Lek, Minister of Health, Johor EXCO members and representatives of Johor State Government Agencies.

At the Sofitel, the Prime Minister attended a briefing on the development of southern Johor involving GSB project, Danga Bay, Lido Beach, Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Tanjung Langsat, Pasir Gudang and Senai Airport. The 1½-hour briefing was followed by an exhibition by the above respective projects. The Prime Minister was also briefed on the project model by YB Dato’ Yahya before he proceeded for hi-tea.

Later, the Prime Minister and his entourage adjourned to Skudai to officiate a chemical engineering centre at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and also toured a building site for police housing in Bukit Chagar.

At night, the Prime Minister attended a dinner with about 5,000 people at the Menteri Besar’s residence at Bukit Saujana before returning to Kuala Lumpur.

http://www.macroworks.cc/solution/images-proj/causeway.jpg


Relocation of the existing CIQ Complex at Bukit Chagar and replacement
of part of the Causeway with road and rail bridges

Project cost of RM2.5 billion
Macroworks involvement was in the project procurement and early
implementation stages (March 2002 to September 2003)

interior rendering


http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b29/akudandia/PassengerHall.jpg

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March '05

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b29/akudandia/Picture008.jpg

progress

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http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/4117/jb40fv.jpg

Johor Baru's KTM railway station

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sept 2005

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-09/CIQ0905.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-09/LVS-Sept05.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-09/JBS_0905.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-07/LVN-Jul05.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-08/CIQNAug05.jpg

That in the background is johor bahru and in the foreground is singapore.
by crazyegg95

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OCT 05

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Costoms, Immigration and Quarantine ( CIQ Complex )
November 2005

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-11/CIQ1105.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-11/CIQS_1105.jpg

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/3dvisual/pglry_3d_skybridge01.jpg

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/3dvisual/pglry_3d_skybridge02.jpg

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/3dvisual/pglry_3d_jbs01.jpg

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/3dvisual/pglry_3d_overall02.jpg

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/3dvisual/pglry_3d_overall01.jpg



JOHOR BAHRU SENTRAL ( JBS ) :
Earthworks, bored pile installation, construction of Reinforced Earth walls and construction of ground beams are in progress

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-11/JBS_1105.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-11/JBS_ClS1105.jpg

Persada Johor International Convention Centre and the new Johor Immigration Centre
by Vanquish

http://img170.exs.cx/img170/6531/jb14mj.jpg

Gerbang Perdana Gets Work Order On Bridge Project

JOHOR BAHARU, Jan 26 (Bernama) --Gerbang Perdana Sdn Bhd (GPSB), the consortium spearheading the project to build a bridge across half of the Johor Strait, says it has received the work order from the government.

Its managing director Datuk Yahya A. Jalil said it was directed by the Public Works Department on Jan 18 to resume its study on the seabed of the waterway at the Tebrau Strait, which was stalled since 2004.

"It is only a land (seabed) study at the Tebrau Strait. We have not built a structure for the bridge," he told Bernama at the GPSB office here Thursday.

Yahya said that as a contractor, it was its duty to conduct the study, as contained in its job specifications, before any effort to build the support or physical structure could be carried out.

The New Straits Times in its front-page story Thursday reported that Malaysia was going ahead with plans to build a bridge across half of thhe Johor Strait, with work to begin immediately after the Chinese New Year holidays.

Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Works Minister Datuk Seri S.Samy Vellu both confirmed that Malaysia would go ahead with the project.

The government directed GPSB to stop work on the seabed study in 2004 to allow both Malaysia and Singapore to hold negotiations on the new bridge project across the Tebrau Strait.

Yahya said the study, which was carried out by GSPB's consultant was part of its preparation, pending the government's decision to build a full or half bridge.

"Once we get the directive to have a straight or crooked bridge, similar work (land study) will still be conducted. It is not a new assignment, just a preparation (for the bridge construction)," he said.

He said the barge which could be seen for the past few days at the Tebrau Strait was for the seabed study and would continue to be positioned in the waters for two to three months.

Yahya said Singapore's consent to the seabed study was not required as it was done in the Malaysian waters.

He said once the work order had been issued by the government to build the bridge at the Tebrau Strait, the company would need 36 months to complete the project.

The bridge would be ready in 2009 and would cost around RM600 million, as had been earlier agreed upon by the government," he said.

"As a contractor, we only take our order from the government," he said.

Yahya hopes that both governments would reach an agreement on the bridge project, which he said, would bring enormous benefits for the people of both countries.

On the construction of the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex, he said work on the project was going on smoothly and on schedule.

The company expects to officially hand over the complex worth nearly RM2 billion to the government in September this year.

"Construction is almost 80 per cent completed and the company is confident that by the end of this year, it will be fully operational," he said.

http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/2817/24660bi.jpg

Better Water Quality At Tebrau Straits With Scenic Bridge, Says Expert
February 03, 2006 21:26 PM


JOHOR BAHARU, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- Water quality at the Straits of Tebrau will improve with construction of the scenic bridge to replace the one at the Johor Causeway, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia's (UTM) Environment and Water Source Management Institute Deputy Director Prof Marketab Mohamad said.

He said water in the area was polluted and attributed the situation to the causeway which blocked the water flow.

However, he said a study would have to be carried out to determine the water flow at the Tebrau Straits.

The Department of Environment, he added, had carried out a study on the water quality in the straits and was monitoring the quality level at various locations in the area.

Meanwhile, Johor branch Malaysian Nature Society advisor Vincent Chow welcomed the construction of the new bridge as it could improve the quality of water in the straits which he added, had a high content of E-Coli bacteria.

Costoms, Immigration and Quarantine ( CIQ Complex )
November 2005

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-11/CIQ1105.jpg



December 2005

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-12/CIQ-1205.jpg

JOHOR BAHRU SENTRAL ( JBS ) :
Earthworks, bored pile installation, construction of Reinforced Earth walls and construction of ground beams are in progress

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-10/JBS_ClS1005.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-11/JBS_1105.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-11/JBS_ClS1105.jpg





JOHOR BAHRU SENTRAL ( JBS )
Jan 2006

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-01/JBS_0106.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-01/HubJBS_0106.JPG

http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/2667/116oh.jpg

December 2005

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-12/CIQ-1205.jpg

Feb 2006

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-02/CIQ0206.jpg.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-02/CIQfrICW_0206.jpg.jpg

JOHOR BAHRU SENTRAL ( JBS )
Jan 2006

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-01/JBS_0106.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-01/HubJBS_0106.JPG

Feb 2006

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-02/JBS_0206.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-02/HubJBS_0206.jpg

Feb 2006

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-02/CIQ0206.jpg.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-02/CIQfrICW_0206.jpg.jpg

Mac 2006
CIQ Complexs

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-03/CIQ0306.jpg

View of CIQ from Interchange

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-03/CIQfrICW_0306.jpg

Booth construction works for Light Vehicle

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-03/BoothLVN.jpg

JOHOR BAHRU SENTRAL ( JBS )
Feb 2006

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-02/JBS_0206.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-02/HubJBS_0206.jpg

Construction of JBS building

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-03/JBS_0306.jpg

Finishing works at Connecting Hub

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-03/Hubfinishing_0306.jpg

Mac 2006
CIQ Complexs

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-03/CIQ0306.jpg

View of CIQ from Interchange

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-03/CIQfrICW_0306.jpg

Booth construction works for Light Vehicle

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-03/BoothLVN.jpg

Apr 2006

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-04/CIQ0406.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-04/BoothLVN_0406.jpg

Construction of JBS building

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-03/JBS_0306.jpg

Finishing works at Connecting Hub

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-03/Hubfinishing_0306.jpg

Apr 2006

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-04/JBS_0406.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-04/Hub_0406.jpg

Apr 2006

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-04/CIQ0406.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-04/BoothLVN_0406.jpg

CIQ Complexs
May 2006

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-04/CIQ0406.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-05/HGVN_0506.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-05/HGVS_0506.jpg

Apr 2006

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-04/JBS_0406.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-04/Hub_0406.jpg

JB sentral
May 2206

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-05/JBS_0506.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-05/Hub_0506.jpg

JB sentral
May 2206

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-05/JBS_0506.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-05/Hub_0506.jpg

June 2206

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-06/JBS_0606.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-06/Hub_0606.jpg

JB sentral railway station
July 2006

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-07/JBS_0706.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-07/Hub_0706.jpg

CIQ Complexs
May 2006

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-04/CIQ0406.jpg

July 2006

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-07/CIQfrICW_0706.jpg

GSB PROJECT COMPONENTS : WORK PROGRESS
( as at August 2006 )

Costoms, Immigration and Quarantine ( CIQ Complex )
All earthworks and piling works for CIQ Complex have been completed. Finishing works a for CIQ building, Infrastructure works and contruction of ancillary. Building are in progress.

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-08/CIQ0806.jpg

CIQ Complexs August 2006

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-08/CIQNight_0806.jpg

CIQ Complexs at night

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-08/HGVN_0806.jpg


http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-08/ImmBoothPHall.jpg

Immigration booth at passenger Hall

JOHOR BAHRU SENTRAL ( JBS ):
Earthworks and bored pile installation has been completed. Construction of RE wall and building works are in progress

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-08/JBS_0806.jpg

Construction of JBS building - August 06

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-08/Hub_0806.jpg

Works at Connecting Hub

INTERCHANGE NO. 1:
Piling works for interchange 1 have been completed.Earthworks, Underpass 1, Underpass 5 , Bridge No. 1,2 & 3 and drainage works are in progress

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-08/ICW_0806.jpg

Interchange 1 - August 06

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-08/BR1_0806.jpg

Progress of works at Bridge No. 1

GSB PROJECT COMPONENTS : WORK PROGRESS
( as at Sept 2006 )

Costoms, Immigration and Quarantine ( CIQ Complex )
All earthworks and piling works for CIQ Complex have been completed. Finishing works a for CIQ building, Infrastructure works and contruction of ancillary. Building are in progress.

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-09/CIQ0906.jpg

CIQ Complexs August 2006

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-09/HGVN_0906.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-09/HGVS_0906.jpg

JOHOR BAHRU SENTRAL ( JBS ):
Earthworks and bored pile installation has been completed. Construction of RE wall and building works are in progress

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-09/JBS_0906.jpg

Construction of JBS building

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-09/Hub_0906.jpg

What are they doing with the old train station building? Will that be knocked down? I hope not, even though it's not in very good condition at the moment it is a historic building and it'd be good if they restore it. JB doesn't have that many old buildings, it'd be a shame to lose more.

Can't wait for the CIQ complex to be ready. The old one is an eyesore especially when you compare it to our neighbour's just across the causeway.

What are they doing with the old train station building? Will that be knocked down? I hope not, even though it's not in very good condition at the moment it is a historic building and it'd be good if they restore it. JB doesn't have that many old buildings, it'd be a shame to lose more.

Heard that it will be turned into a museum......train museum i guess...It will be nice if they restore it then install some colurful lights around the building...Make it look more vibrant...

GSB PROJECT COMPONENTS : WORK PROGRESS
( as at Oct 2006 )
From Official site (http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/)

JOHOR BAHRU SENTRAL ( JBS ): New JB Railway Station
Earthworks and bored pile installation has been completed. Construction of RE wall and building works are in progress

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-10/JBS_1006.JPG

Great turning point to become an international metropolis ;)

Heard that it will be turned into a museum......train museum i guess...It will be nice if they restore it then install some colurful lights around the building...Make it look more vibrant...
That would be really good, it'd be a shame to lose the original building. It'll be a great contrast the old station sitting next to the new one and a new museum in JB will only strengthen it's appeal, especially if it is a to be a railway museum.

GSB PROJECT COMPONENTS : WORK PROGRESS
( as at Oct 2006 )
From Official site (http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/)

JOHOR BAHRU SENTRAL ( JBS ): New JB Railway Station
Earthworks and bored pile installation has been completed. Construction of RE wall and building works are in progress

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-10/JBS_1006.JPG

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d7/Gsb3.jpg

Johor

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/07/MalaysiaJohor.png/250px-MalaysiaJohor.png

Johor Bahru (JB) City Center for nowadays

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v188/argory/53c54bed.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v188/argory/f7cbe128.jpg

JB skyline from singapore
By Baqthier

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/504/9jbskyline1.jpg

GSB PROJECT COMPONENTS : WORK PROGRESS
( as at Nov 2006 )
Costoms, Immigration and Quarantine ( CIQ Complex )
From Official site (http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/)

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-11/ICW_1106.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-11/booth-passenger.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-11/info-counter.jpg

JOHOR BAHRU SENTRAL ( JBS ):
Railway Station

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2006-11/JBS_1106.jpg

Completion of work (as of 25 December 2006)
From gerbangperdana (http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/)
Overall GSB Project : 89 %
CIQ building : 98 %
JBS : 68 %
I/C No. 1 and INF : 92 %

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp06//images/main_gsb_progress_uptodate.jpg

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp06//images/main_gsb_progress.jpg

Quick Facts About GSB

GSB = Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu
ISG = Integrated Southern Gateway
CIQ = Customs, Immigration & Quarantine
SIG = Southern International Gateway
JBS = Johor Bahru Sentral
I/C = Interchange
INF = Infrastructures
> Project site location : Bukit Chagar, Johor Bahru
> Commencement of work : January 2003
> Project site area : 113.196 acres
> CIQ built-up area : 57.40 acres

GSB website : gsb.jkr.gov.my

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp06//story_images/pinfo_masterplan03.jpg

From Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu website
( as at Apr 2007 )
View of CIQ Complexs and the multi-tiered interchange.

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-04/0407-004.jpg

View of one of the escalator / staircase at the CIQ Complexs.

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-04/0407-003.jpg

Night view of the Link Bridge.

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-04/0407-005.jpg

Passage at the Link Bridge.

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-04/0407-006.jpg

Night view of the "Walkalator" at the Link Bridge. The Link Bridge connects the CIQ complexs to the JB Sentral Terminal.

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-04/0407-002.jpg

Amazing project, great pics! When is it scheduled for opening?

Amazing project, great pics! When is it scheduled for opening?

A Malaysian national project involving the construction of the Johor Bahru main railway station and a new customs, immigration and quarantine complex – CIQ is located at the Malaysia-Singapore Border. The station and complex will become the main transportation hub of Johor Bahru and southern Peninsular Malaysia.

http://www.krugerfan.com/images/projects/malaysia-ciq.jpg

New CIQ Complex To Open In October
May 10, 2007 18:45 PM


JOHOR BAHARU, May 10 (Bernama) -- The new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in Bukit Chagar here will open its doors to the public in October, Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said.

He said that the RM1.26 billion facility was 99 per cent complete and would be handed over to the government on June 1. Government bodies are expected to move in beginning July.

A total of 18 government agencies will move from their old premises at the Johor Causeway to the new CIQ complex in a process that will take about four months.

"The CIQ facility will be a catalyst to the development in southern Johor in line with the government's effort to develop the Iskandar Development Region," he told reporters after visiting the complex here today.

According to him, the opening of the CIQ complex would coincide with the completion of the "Short Term Access" linking the Causeway and the CIQ building in September.

To a question, Samy Vellu said that the final cost of the new CIQ complex was RM1.26 billion as stated in the contract.

The sum does not take into account the compensation paid in connection with the aborted bridge to replace the Causeway.

He stressed that the government's decision to cancel the bridge stays.

-- BERNAMA

Progress

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-05/003.jpg

CIQ/JB Sentral

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-05/006.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-05/005.jpg

Very nice!
But this station deserves better than just a slow narrow gauge railway. I hope than it will soon be connected to:
1:a high speed railway to Melaka, KLIA, KL and Singapore. But not Woodland, a more central location like Orchard or Marina.
2: the JB LRT (or monorail but I don't know why Malaysian love monorail, I think regular LRT or MRT are more reliable).
3: the Singaporean MRT coming from Woodland.

From http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/
Arial view of JB Central (Railway Station) building under construction.

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-06/june-006.jpg

Front portion of JB Central under construction.

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-06/june-007.jpg

Update
JB Sentral
(consisting of city railway and public transit stations)

http://www.krugerfan.com/images/projects/malaysia-ciq.jpg

CIQ & JB Sentral

JB Sentral Terminal is sited on the northeast of the existing Johor Bahru Railway Station on KTMB land.

The JB Sentral was designed to upgrade the existing railway station at Johor Bahru in response to the increasing demand of rail commuters.

New bus and taxi pick up points are provided along Jalan Jim Quee to enhance this new rail station.

Two (2) multilevel car parks (comprising 726 car parking bays) are situated over both sides of the JB Sentral to provide parking facilities for the entire project.

As part of the new gateway, the JB Sentral will be located along Jalan Tun Abdul Razak. The new rail station sits over new tracks that will be connected to a swing bridge to cross the Straits of Johor to Singapore.

by NickL of ktmrailwayfan.com

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/68/JB_Sentral_Entrance.jpg

The new JB Sentral station is rather large, I presume it's planned to have more than just the existing KTM rail to and from Singapore running through it?

See post #67

http://img34.picoodle.com/img/img34/9/10/12/f_016m_0548f63.jpg

From Malaysian Forum

taken 1st Nov, CIQ in the background and JB Sentral foreground
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/picaddict_1975/JB/IMG_0040.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/picaddict_1975/JB/IMG_0038.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/picaddict_1975/JB/IMG_0042.jpg

JB Sentral
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/picaddict_1975/JB/IMG_0041.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/picaddict_1975/JB/IMG_0039.jpg

when is the scheduled opening? Obviously they didnt make the october plan...

maybe in time for the *possible* nov 25 election?

Cheers, m

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/picaddict_1975/JB/IMG_0042.jpg

October 2007
From http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-10/prog-oct-07-001.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-10/prog-oct-07-004.jpg

Update
JB Sentral
(consisting of city railway and public transit stations)

http://www.krugerfan.com/images/projects/malaysia-ciq.jpg

CIQ & JB Sentral

JB Sentral Terminal is sited on the northeast of the existing Johor Bahru Railway Station on KTMB land.

The JB Sentral was designed to upgrade the existing railway station at Johor Bahru in response to the increasing demand of rail commuters.

New bus and taxi pick up points are provided along Jalan Jim Quee to enhance this new rail station.

Two (2) multilevel car parks (comprising 726 car parking bays) are situated over both sides of the JB Sentral to provide parking facilities for the entire project.



As part of the new gateway, the JB Sentral will be located along Jalan Tun Abdul Razak. The new rail station sits over new tracks that will be connected to a swing bridge to cross the Straits of Johor to Singapore.

by NickL of ktmrailwayfan.com

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/68/JB_Sentral_Entrance.jpg

PROGRESS PHOTOGRAPHS OF JOHOR BAHRU CENTRAL
October 2007
From http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-10/prog-oct-07-013.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-10/prog-oct-07-014.jpg
http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-10/prog-oct-07-015.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-10/prog-oct-07-016.jpg

PROGRESS PHOTOGRAPHS OF JOHOR BAHRU CENTRAL
October 2007
From http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-10/prog-oct-07-013.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-10/prog-oct-07-014.jpg
http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-10/prog-oct-07-015.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-10/prog-oct-07-016.jpg

the 4th picture beside the blue lobi lift sign on the blue wall picture,,,,,looks like those airport depature hall entrance...hehe...great pics...................

A link to the future JB Maglev system, and express link to the airport, together with the high speed rail ending in JB or Singapore, and JB Sentral will be complete. :)

can't wait for JB sentral to open..............i heard it would be replacing the age old larking bus terminal....is that true??

The old rail track to The New JB Sentral Station
by serippe

http://img33.picoodle.com/img/img33/5/12/7/f_20833933343m_a77de9e.jpg

New JB Central Railway Station >>
by ace4

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/8359/imgp3998fa7.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/picaddict_1975/JB/IMG_0038.jpg

by KonstantineChoo of ktmrailwayfan.com

http://www.krugerfan.com/images/projects/malaysia-ciq.jpg

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/68/P1010428k.jpg

CIQ Complexs/JB sentral

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-07/07-07-007.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-07/07-07-005.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-09/014.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-09/014.jpg

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Bukit Chagar CIQ to start operations in May
By BERNAMA
11 February, 2008

The Bukit Chagar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex will start its operations in May, Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu says.  He said the complex, worth over RM1 billion, has been fully completed and all relevant government agencies have started to move in and make the necessary preparations.

“The CIQ will be open to the public and light vehicles in May,” he told reporters after officiating the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a road from Permas Jaya to Pasir Gudang here today. 

Present was Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman.

Samy Vellu said the CIQ will have a temporary link to the Johor Causeway. 

Upon completion of the “Medium Term Link” (MTL), which connects the CIQ with the Johor Causeway, at the end of 2009, heavy vehicles which presently passed through the Tanjung Puteri Customs Inspection Centre will be allowed to use the complex, he said. 

When asked on the cost of building the MTL, he said the Finance Ministry was still looking at it.

On the 9km Permas Jaya-Pasir Gudang road, Samy Vellu said the RM190-million project undertaken by Pelantar Komponen Sdn Bhd would be completed by Jan 1, 2001. 

The cost included the construction of elevated interchanges along the Johor Baru-Pasir Gudang Road and in Permas Jaya and three bridges over Sungai Luncho, Sungai Rekoh and Sungai Masai, he said.

“The Works Ministry has identified Permas Jaya as having the potential to grow rapidly with the construction of several other high-impact infrastructure projects under the Iskandar Development Region programme,” he said. 

He also said that under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, the federal government had allocated RM1.87 billion for development projects in Johor.

The progress update for the various components of the Southern Integrated Gateway until 30th November 2007 are as follows :-
From http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-11/prog-nov-07-001.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2007-11/prog-nov-07-003.jpg

PROGRESS PHOTOGRAPHS OF JOHOR BAHRU CENTRAL
NEW JB Railway Station!

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/68/P1010428k.jpg

Railway platform >

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NEW JB Railway Station!
From http://gsb.jkr.gov.my

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2008-01/0801-009.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2008-01/0801-008.jpg

by serippe

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2258/2083393210_1c6da085cb_o.jpg

JB Sentral entrance
by xeoc

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll85/kcling78/jb/DSC00969.jpg

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll85/kcling78/jb/DSC00972.jpg

PROGRESS PHOTOGRAPHS OF JOHOR BAHRU SENTRAL
From http://gsb.jkr.gov.my

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PROGRESS PHOTOGRAPHS OF JOHOR BAHRU SENTRAL
From http://gsb.jkr.gov.my

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Updates on new CIQ complex
by ^tamago^

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/oct08/oct18-36.jpg

deleted

when dis CIQ to be opened to public???
anyone got any news on that???
i need more photo plisssssssssssss:cheers:

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/5/11/nation/p12Samy.jpg

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/11/1/southneast/se_06ciq.jpg

Still being tested: The new CIQ complex in Bukit Cagar
expected to be operational by the end of the year.

CIQ complex to finally open next month
Thursday November 20, 2008 By NELSON BENJAMIN TheStar

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/11/20/nation/n_19ciq.jpg

Ready for operations: The new CIQ complex in Bukit Chagar is already
operational, with several government agencies testing their machines and systems.

JOHOR BARU: The new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex in Bukit Chagar is expected to open its doors within the next month.

The project, which was delayed by more than a year, is now operational, with several government agencies already testing their machines and systems.

At least two trial runs have been held in July and this month to test its effectiveness.

Once fully operational, the complex named Kompleks Sultan Iskandar will be able to handle 70 million visitors annually.

It is learnt the Customs and Excise Department and Immigration Depart- ment have also relocated their staff to the complex several months ago.

“Everything is now ready and everyone is only waiting for an official opening date,” a source familiar with the project said.

It is learnt the Sultan of Johor is expected to open the building.

Once fully operational, the complex will house 18 government agencies.

The five-storey complex, dubbed an intelligent building, has 76 lanes for cars, which are divided equally to enter and leave the country.

There are 50 lanes in and 50 lanes out for motorcycles.

As for buses, there will be 25 parking bays allocated for entry and exit.

“We have already made all the necessary changes based on our trial runs,” the source said, adding there were also dozens of closed circuit cameras fitted in and around the complex.

There is a security command centre located on the fifth floor to oversee all security aspects of the building.

It is learnt the payment rates are still the same as the charges imposed at the present complex and only Touch ’n Go cards are allowed to be used for payment.

There are multi-lingual touch screen information display panels to assist visitors entering Johor.

It is learnt the project was delayed due to the cancellation of the Scenic Bridge project and also the construction of the short-term access road linking the causeway and the complex.

The first floor of the complex would handle clearance for cars and motorcycles while the second floor was for those who travel in buses.

I wonder if it will be delayed yet again. It has become a norm to disappoint the rakyat.

Gerbang Perdana in Progress
by Roslan Tangah (aka Rasso)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/3062132145_f541f5a0a5_b.jpg

Bangunan Sultan Iskandar To Become Modern Entry Point To Malaysia
December 01, 2008 21:39 PM

JOHOR BAHARU, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- The Bangunan Sultan Iskandar, previously known as the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex, which was officially opened Monday, will become a modern entry point into Malaysia particularly to the Iskandar Development Region here, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

An estimated nine million visitors are expected to use the facilities there each year, said the Prime Minister in his speech at the opening ceremony by the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Iskandar.

He said the opening of the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar was a historical event as the building, constructed on a 113-hectare site, would become a major landmark.

"The building is not only a developmental effort but also forms an important symbol on the region's progress and potentials.

"It is a modern, efficient and attractive entry point, which will reflect the modernisation, efficiency and beauty of the Iskandar Development Region, Johor and certainly, Malaysia, to every foreign visitor and investor," he said.

Bangunan Sultan Iskandar will operate round the clock and will house 21 agencies comprising federal government departments, state government, statutory bodies and private agencies.

The Immigration Department will be responsible for coordinating operations and management of the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar.

"The Royal Malaysia Police must ensure strict security for the building in the interest of the safety and comfort of the users and our country in general," he said.

Abdullah also said that everyone serving in Bangunan Sultan Iskandar was like a 'Malaysian ambassador' to the foreigners.

"We must prove, in fact reflect Malaysia's status not only as one of the developed countries but also having inhabitants who are friendly and courteous as well as highly civilised," Abdullah said.

In his speech, the Sultan of Johor said he hoped Bangunan Sultan Iskandar would provide comfort and prosperity to the people and subsequently progress to the state.

"Today is a historic day for the state of Johor for getting a new building. I congratulate everyone involved in making the project a success," the Sultan said.

Also gracing the ceremony were the Sultanah of Johor, Sultanah Zanariah, the Tunku Mahkota Johor, Tunku Ibrahim Ismail and his consort Raja Zarith Sofiah.

-- BERNAMA

Much Awaited CIQ Complex To Be Officially Opened Monday
November 30, 2008 21:20 PM

JOHOR BAHARU, Nov 30 (Bernama) -- The much awaited new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex in Bukit Chagar will be officially opened Monday.

The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Iskandar Sultan Ismail, is expected to grace the opening ceremony which is also to be attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Named the Sultan Iskandar Complex, it will house 18 government agencies and be able to handle 70 million visitors entering the country from Singapore annually.

Dubbed an intelligent building, the complex has 76 lanes for cars, which are divided equally to enter and exit the country.

There are 50 lanes in and 50 lanes out for motorcycles, 879 parking bays for cars and 25 for buses.

The payment rates are expected to be the same as the rates charged at the present complex and only Touch n Go cards are allowed to be used for payment.

There are multi-lingual touch screen information display panels to assist visitors entering Johor.

The first floor of the complex will handle clearance for cars and motorcycles while the second floor is for those who travel in buses. Construction of the CIQ began in 2001 and was scheduled to be completed in 2006.

It was, however, delayed due to the cancellation of the 'Scenic Bridge' project and the construction of the short-term access road linking the causeway and the complex.

-- BERNAMA

Customs and Immigration complex launched
NST Online » Local News 2008/12/02

http://www.nst.com.my/Tuesday/National/2417317/insidepix1

The Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex
in Bukit Chagar will be fully operational on Dec 16.

JOHOR BARU: The largest Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex in the country will be the transit point for more than nine million people travelling between Malaysia and Singapore each year.
The Sultan Iskandar Building is expected to be the busiest land entry and exit point in Malaysia, with some 135,000 vehicles passing through daily.

Yesterday, the complex was launched by the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Iskandar. The sultan was accompanied by his wife, Sultanah Zanariah Tunku Ahmad.

Also present were the Tunku Mahkota, Tunku Ibrahim Ismail, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman.

In his speech, Sultan Iskandar said the state was fortunate to have such a building, which will serve as a main entry point into the country.
"The building is a landmark in Johor's history. Hopefully, it will provide better amenities for the people," he said.

Abdullah, in his speech, said the complex would operate round the clock, providing the best facilities to travellers.

He said the RM1.3 billion building at Bukit Chagar would house 21 federal and state government agencies, as well as private firms.

"The Immigration Department will be the leading agency operating in the complex. But other agencies will also have to play their roles with utmost dedication."

Abdullah urged all agencies operating in the complex to give their best in terms of service.

"Those working at this complex are Malaysia's ambassadors before the world. Together, we will present the country not only as a developed one, but also as one of the world's friendliest."

It is learnt that the complex will be fully operational on Dec 16 and that a dry run will take place from today.

The Sultan Iskandar Building, part of the Gerbang Selatan Ber-sepadu project initiated in 2003, includes new interchanges and upgraded roads, as well as the construction of a rail link to Singapore.

It was initially supposed to be connected to the "scenic bridge", a project to replace the Johor Causeway that was cancelled in 2006.

NOTICE

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New complex in Johor Baru set to ease congestion on Causeway
Thursday December 4, 2008

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/12/4/nation/nasri.jpg

Welcome to Malaysia: Mohd Nasri greeting inbound
motorists at the new complex in Johor Baru yesterday

JOHOR BARU: The new Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex is expected to cut traffic congestion on the Causeway by more than half.

Johor Immigration director Mohd Nasri Ishak said the new complex was designed for smoother traffic flow to and from Singapore.

“Traffic congestion has always been a major problem at the Causeway. We hope that with the new building, some of the traffic woes can be solved,” he said at the complex here yesterday.

He said operations at the building would be eased in two phases.

Under Phase One, which started at 12.01am yesterday, inbound passengers were routed through the new building after immigration clearance at the old Causeway checkpoint.

Mohd Nasri said for the next two weeks, they would monitor traffic flow to uncover hiccups, if any.

Phase Two would begin on Dec 16, with both inbound and outbound vehicles directed to the building.

“We have assigned personnel to control traffic as the people may not be familiar with the new building. Everything is running smoothly so far,” Mohd Nasri said, adding that about 1,500 Immigration personnel have been assigned to the building.

After a delay of over a year, Sultan of Johor Sultan Iskandar Sultan Ismail launched the building on Monday.

Sultan Iskandar, after whom the building is named, said the launch marked a historic day for the state, as the facility would function as the main southern gateway to Johor.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who was at the launch, said nine million people were expected to use the facilities each year.

Revised public transport routes

http://www.nst.com.my/JohorBuzz/Friday/Stories/2424866/insidepix1

TRANSPORT HUB: The JB Sentral building is
seen in the middle (with three white beam-like platforms).


THE Johor Baru city council is working to maintain a smooth traffic flow once the new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex begins operations on Monday.

The council's road division has outlined a series of revised routes for public transport users in conjunction with the opening of the new Sultan Iskandar building.

Under the plan, bus passengers from Singapore have an option of alighting at the Johor Baru city centre, either at the new JB Sentral at Jalan Tun Razak or the Pasar Bakti Terminal at Jalan Trus, before buses proceed to Larkin Sentral.

Besides Larkin Sentral, those heading towards Singapore may also board buses at the two points.

JB Sentral, which is sandwiched between Sultan Iskandar building and Johor Baru City Square, would become the main interchange for bus, taxi and train users.

The Pasar Bakti Terminal would be the main bus and taxi terminal in the city centre.

Buses plying the Singapore and Johor Baru route, such as SBS Transit, Causeway Link and the Singapore-Johor Express, will see a change in their routes.

Taxi users can continue boarding their taxis at the Pasar Bakti Terminal to get to the republic while Singapore taxi drivers have to use the Inner Ring Road, Jalan Yahya Awal and Jalan Getak Merah before reaching the Pasar Bakti Terminal. The same route is used back to the republic.

Johor taxi drivers are allowed to pick up and drop off passengers coming or bound for Singapore at three spots -- JB Sentral's Eastern Hub, Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Siu Chin (both located beside the Merlin Tower).

Mayor Datuk Mohd Naim Nasir said the city council would keep options open for bus and taxi operators to discuss any problems which may crop up after Monday.

Pedestrians have been assured of proper walkways to get to JB Sentral from the Sultan Iskandar building, which is only a five-minute walk.

The change of routes will also affect stages buses plying along the city's eastern (Jalan Tebrau) and western (Jalan Skudai) zones.

New CIQ complex opens
Monday December 15, 2008 By MEERA VIJAYAN TheStar

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/12/15/nation/n_16ciq.jpg

Ready for action: An aerial view of the new Sultan Iskandar Building
(background), which houses the new Custom, Immigration and
Quarantine complex in Johor Baru.

JOHOR BARU: The new Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex will be fully operational tomorrow and replace the Causeway checkpoint in the city centre, which will be closed.

This means that all vehicles travelling to and from Singapore will have to use the new complex to get their passports stamped and Customs checks.

The RM1.3bil new complex, which has 76 lanes for cars and 100 for motorcycles, was partially operational on Dec 1 when vehicles from Singapore were diverted to the complex for a drive-through after completing their Immigration and Customs procedures at the Causeway checkpoint.

Starting tomorrow, all vehicles coming from Singapore must also use Touch ’n Go cards to pay toll as they enter Malaysia.

Previously, at the Causeway checkpoint, toll payments could be done with cash and Touch ’n Go cards.

Johor traffic police chief Supt T. Raveendran said full operations of the complex would start at 12.01am tomorrow and would involve all cars, buses, vans and motorcycles.

Lorries, however, would still use the Tanjung Puteri checkpoint.

Supt Raveendran said that at 11.45pm today, the existing Immigration counters in Jalan Tun Razak just before the Causeway would be closed.

All vehicles heading to Singapore between 11.45pm and midnight would be diverted to Jalan Sawmill behind the Johor Baru (central) police station, he added.

Vehicles would then have to go on either Jalan Pantai Lido or Jalan Wong Ah Fook to Jalan Tebrau and subsequently to Jalan Lingkaran Dalam to enter the Sultan Iskandar CIQ complex, he said.

After midnight, all vehicles should head directly to the Sultan Iskandar CIQ complex via Jalan Lingkaran Dalam.

The old Immigration checkpoint at the Causeway will be demolished after authorities are satisfied with the smooth flow of traffic at the new complex.

Engineer Darryl Chong, 32, who works in Singapore and used the new complex, said that he was concerned over the narrow roads at the new complex.

“The roads are very narrow for big vehicles,” he said.

He added that he was unsure whether larger vehicles would slow down the flow of traffic while trying to manoeuvre the winding roads.

Chong also noted the complex was fully covered.

Causeway traders split over CIQ impact
Tuesday December 16, 2008

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/12/16/nation/n_14CIQcomplex.jpg

JOHOR BARU: Business owners near the Causeway expressed mixed feelings about the opening of the new Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex.

Some were worried they might have to close down because fewer people were entering the city, while others were optimistic that more people would arrive as traffic congestion would ease.

Photo studio owner Chin Su Thu was worried business would be so bad that he might be forced to relocate.

The 71-year-old said his shop was conveniently located as customers could pick up their photographs on their way back from Singapore.

“Business has been quite bad for the past three to four years, and with the opening of the new CIQ, I’m afraid it will only get worse,” said Chin who has been operating in this location since 1934.

He hoped the Johor Baru City Council and state authorities would organise community activities to help draw people to the area.

Salesman Kalai Selvam, who works at a small 24-hour convenience store, said his employer was moving next month.

“Business has definitely slowed, but my boss has a lot at the new CIQ and we are moving there,” said the 38-year-old father of two from India.

Singaporean Rizal Bashir, 28, a computer programmer, comes to Johor Baru twice a week to refuel his motorcycle.

He believes businesses in the vicinity would suffer as a result of the former CIQ closing down.

“The new one is simply too far away from here, and it will be very difficult for petrol station owners especially. They will probably need to rely on their regular customers to stay in business,” he said.

When approached, petrol station owner Y.K. Chong, 51, said he was not optimistic about the changes.

“Profits have dropped by about 20% so far simply because it is no longer convenient for travellers to pass through this way,” he said.

For the past month, Chong has been giving out free boxes of tissue paper to motorists in an effort to get them to patronise his station.

Security officer M. Saravanan, 21, who lives in Larkin but works in Singapore, said he would not be going to the Causeway area once the new CIQ is fully operational. “It is far from the new exit.”

However, hardware shopowner L.K. Chun was optimistic the situation could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the traders.

“There will be far less congestion in the area and this can lure locals to the city.”

Massive traffic congestion at CIQ
Updated: Tuesday December 16, 2008 MYT 8:50:39 PM

JOHOR BARU: The first day of operations at the new Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex was marred by massive traffic congestion.

The congestion involved traffic into Johor that snaked all the way to Woodlands in Singapore during peak hours due to motorists being caught off guard that the toll collection system at the complex was cashless.

Many motorists especially Singaporeans did not know that they were required to use Touch ‘n Go cards at the new complex in Bukit Cagar.

The congestion did not ease much despite PLUS officials being stationed at the complex entrance to sell RM20 cards on the spot to motorists. Counters were also set up at the old checkpoint to help assist them.

Notices were also placed at Woodlands informing motorist about the bad traffic congestion entering Malaysia.

Singaporean businessman John Tan, 45, said he only found out about the cards when he entered Johor via the new complex.

“I was excited to use the new complex and expected it to be more efficient than the old Causeway checkpoint,” he said adding he was surprised when he was told he had to use the card for toll payment. However, Tan said he was impressed by the design of the new complex.

Fellow Singaporean Tommy Ong, 40, said the authorities should have made the public more aware that the Touch ‘n Go cards had to be used.

Malaysian K. Selvaraju, 41, said he was disappointed with the congestion. “I was hoping for a smoother ride but it was not the case,” he said.

Johor Immigrations director Mohd Nasri Ishak said the congestion was due to motorists not having Touch ‘n Go cards and not being familiar with the new road system.

“The jams were mainly during peak hours in the morning and even when people returned from work,” he said.

He said adequate notices had been put up informing the public about the cashless toll system and added that all 200 counters inbound and outbound for vehicles were operational on the first day.

Motorists heading towards the new Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex were caught in a massive jam along the Malaysia-Singapore Causeway. - 16 December, 2008

http://gallery.thestar.com.my/thumbnails/1170/jam.jpg

Motorists heading towards the new Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex were caught in a massive jam along the Malaysia-Singapore Causeway. - 16 December, 2008

http://gallery.thestar.com.my/thumbnails/1170/jam3.jpg

Johor's new CIQ complex gets off to crawling start
NST Online » 2008/12/17 By : Syed Umar Ariff

http://www.bharian.com.my/Gambar_Pilihan_BH/gambarz_1175?display=small

JOHOR BARU: Beng knew what to expect as he manoeuvred through yet another night of traffic jams on the Causeway on Monday night.

It was tiring, but he persevered on his rattling motorcycle as he made his routine daily after-work journey from Singapore to Johor Baru about 11.30pm.

When the traffic got too heavy, the 42-year-old cook parked his motorcycle at the side of the Causeway.

He heaved a sigh of relief as he reflected that this would be the last time he would be at the 41-year-old Malaysian checkpoint at the end of the Malaysian side of the Causeway.

Beng was excited about the opening of the brand-new Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex.
"I knew from reports in the newspapers that the old building would be closed at midnight.

"I have seen the (new) building from afar and it looks marvellous. Now, we have something to boast about to the Singaporeans. I am proud to be a Malaysian," he said.

At a minute past midnight last night, the Causeway checkpoint was shut down and the new CIQ complex opened.

The opening of the new CIQ complex was, however, not as smooth as expected.

Although the authorities had expected that the closure of the old checkpoint would smoothen the passage of vehicles from the Causeway, traffic almost came to a standstill when motorists were directed to a two-lane expressway to the new CIQ complex.

JohorImmigration director Mohd Nasri Ishak, however, described the situation as a "minor congestion".

He blamed it on motorists adapting to a new route and a few "technical glitches".

CIQ personnel were seen trying to regulate the traffic flow and to direct the traffic to the toll booths instead of queuing up in one long line.

Another problem was that many motorists were unaware that the CIQ toll booths would only accept payment via Touch 'n Go cards.

A Singaporean was caught off-guard as he did not have any ringgit with him to buy the RM20 prepaid Touch 'n Go card.

"I only have Singaporean dollars. Can I still buy a card?" he asked.

Fortunately, the Touch 'n Go personnel were accepting payment in foreign currency.

A Malaysian, Chan Pon Sock, 30, said he only knew about the Touch 'n Go payment system upon entering the CIQ complex.

The CIQ complex houses impressive checkpoint facilities -- with 38 lanes for cars, 50 motorcycle lanes and 18 lanes for buses.

However, on leaving the CIQ complex, many road users were caught by surprise when several policemen with light batons signalled them to stop.

As more and more motorists were stopped, one or two cast a wry glance at reporters and photographers.

"Are we in trouble? Why are they stopping us? Have we done anything wrong?" a motorcyclist with a Singaporean plate registration number asked.

What a relief it was when told that they would be "flagged off" by a number of dignitaries, including Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Naim Nasir and Johor Customs director Muhamad Subre Ishak, to mark the first entry to the CIQ complex.

by mknace

http://img32.picoodle.com/img/img32/3/12/19/f_79m_d39b664.jpg

by Ceass

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First post for 2009. Anyone has the interior pics of JB Sentral and CIQ?

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/12/15/nation/n_16ciq.jpg

1 December – The new Custom, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex building (Southern Integrated Gateway) is officialy known as Sultan Iskandar Complex.

JB Sentral Railway Station @ Sultan Iskandar Complex
by Vitalauto
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vitalauto/3211666023/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3211666023_4ed0d928e5_b.jpg

JB Sentral entrance @ CIQ
by ladyroses

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/3157000614_61b4fd217a_b.jpg

From http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my

http://img34.picoodle.com/img/img34/3/2/2/f_01m_45e5981.jpg

http://img33.picoodle.com/img/img33/3/2/2/f_02m_055ecb1.jpg

http://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/3/2/2/f_03m_c89a741.jpg

From http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my
Interior

http://img34.picoodle.com/img/img34/3/2/2/f_01m_45e5981.jpg

http://img33.picoodle.com/img/img33/3/2/2/f_02m_055ecb1.jpg

http://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/3/2/2/f_03m_c89a741.jpg

by jpatokal

http://jpatokal.iki.fi/photo/travel/Malaysia/Train-SinJB/JBSentral_Back.JPG

JB's new railway station

http://jpatokal.iki.fi/photo/travel/Malaysia/Train-SinJB/JBSentral_Entrance.JPG

I saw yesterday the old checkpoint at jb is currently being demolished.

From http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp06//images/main_gsb_progress_uptodate.jpg
From flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/3463224744_9e22c8ccba_b.jpg

JB Sentral, Johor

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/3474009666_b6d70aaeee_b.jpg

Causeway CIQ complex to open 24 hours
Saturday November 14 2009

SINGAPORE, Nov 13 – The cargo clearance centre at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex at the Johor Causeway will be open 24 hours, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak here today.

He said the move was intended to reduce vehicle congestion which occurs often at the causeway linking Johor Baru and Woodlands in Singapore.

Speaking at a press conference for the Malaysian media covering the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meeting here, Najib said the congestion happened often as the customs cargo inspection centre is only open from morning until midnight.

After midnight, transport vehicles are forced to queue and await the reopening of the centre in the morning, and the access road leading to it narrowed towards the end.

Earlier, Najib met with a number of potential investors from Singapore, including the Fairmont Hotel Group, Harvey Norman, and budget airline, Jetstar.

He said the Singaporean investors were keen to expand their business in Malaysia, with Fairmont which is to open its new Raffles Hotel at the Pavilion in Kuala Lumpur soon, wanting to open more hotels in the country.

According to Najib, Harvey Norman, which owns a number of stores in Malaysia, also wants to own a building to sell its products while Jetstar wished to increase its flights to destinations in Malaysia.

The Prime Minister also stated that the Singaporean investors had also raised the question of crime and security in the Iskandar Malaysia area and added that the government would overcome the issue quickly.

This, he explained, is to convince the foreign investors and Singaporeans who frequent Johor that their security is guaranteed. – Bernama

2010 now and no improvement?
The platform looks like it is taller than the train.

From flickr
JB Sentral, Johor

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/3474009666_b6d70aaeee_b.jpg

From The Star
http://www.thestar.com.my/

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/12/15/nation/n_16ciq.jpg

we can suggest that a pedestrian bridge is built over the strait to cut the time for the ppl who walk to and back from SG .

From flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4257712201_11355823f6_b.jpg

I know the ciq is opened but the jb sentral is still unfinished. Old ciq had been demolished and they are now building the medium term link together with EDL

From flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2801/4205000861_c0cc7aaa85_b.jpg