by anthony@sg

http://img26.picoodle.com/img/img26/3/12/24/f_01m_25d3900.jpg

JB Sentral
by Wayne_Lim

http://img26.picoodle.com/img/img26/3/12/24/f_02m_e78c33c.jpg

by Jali

http://img33.picoodle.com/img/img33/3/12/24/f_03m_c4eb796.jpg

http://img19.picoodle.com/img/img19/3/12/24/f_04m_43770a0.jpg

JB CIQ = First White Elephant of the Millenium.

Nusajaya = Second White Elephant????

JB CIQ = First White Elephant of the Millenium.

Nusajaya = Second White Elephant????

Vince= Third White Elephant??:lol:

JB CIQ = First White Elephant of the Millenium.

Nusajaya = Second White Elephant????

why always being negative? don't you have a good moment-good life here in malaysia anymore?

JB CIQ = First White Elephant of the Millenium.

Nusajaya = Second White Elephant????

another stupid and arrogant creature....:bash::bash:
i dont think JB CIQ and nusajaya is a white elephant..
if u think so, the woodlands CIQ, singapore flyers & marina bay in singapore are also a white elephant...
NO VISION NO HOPE....IDIOT...

another stupid and arrogant creature....:bash::bash:
i dont think JB CIQ and nusajaya is a white elephant..
if u think so, the woodlands CIQ, singapore flyers & marina bay in singapore are also a white elephant...
NO VISION NO HOPE....IDIOT...

^^

Chene, go easy with your words, kay...

Name-calling or liberal use of derogatory terms will only create heated environment, and in long run, will take away the fun from this forum.

Yes, Vince always make a lot of noise about how things were done in this country. I gathered from his numerous postings in the past, that he is not exactly sympathetic to BN and as such, he always found ways to nit-picks on development effort anchored by the federal government. Well, nothing wrong with that because constructive criticism is just part and parcel of politics. Just like everything else in this country, the CIQ and the Iskandar project will always be viewed with a hint of partisan bias. BN supporter will see the project as a visionary effort that can propel Johor to greater heights, while opposition supporters see it as a wasterful effort tainted with inefficiency. Some detractors went to so far as saying that Iskandar is a reward to the people of Johor for their unconditional support to UMNO/BN in last general election. Judging from the snail-paced NCER progress, I tend to agree with that view too.

BUT..

having said that, we should learn to respect other people's view. If Vince think that Nusajaya and CIQ is a white elephant, then so be it. Everyone is entitled to his own opinion. If he's right, then we'll be damn. Otherwise, we can have our last laugh. So, please.. please... stop the bashing, stop being so angry, stop personal attack, and stop writing the word idiot in uppercase...

To Vince...since I already in this subject, maybe you care to elaborate why do you think Nusajaya and CIQ qualify as a white elephant?

If there is no plan to double track and electrify the lines around JB, the much touted JB Sentral potential benefits, will be practically nil, because it has 6 platforms...equivalent to KTMB's KL Sentral platforms...

from irda website you could see the EDT plan and commuter around JB. and i think that NCER is slower than iskandar is probably due to location.location.location...

another stupid and arrogant creature....:bash::bash:
i dont think JB CIQ and nusajaya is a white elephant..
if u think so, the woodlands CIQ, singapore flyers & marina bay in singapore are also a white elephant...
NO VISION NO HOPE....IDIOT...

What is your vision and hope Chene? Traffic jams? Inefficiency? Inconvenience? Maybe you have lived around this pollution-choked and badly-planned city so long that you have forgotten about what could be better for people here. Name-calling would not make all the white elephants go away.

Vince, well said. People who live in denial, who cannot accept criticisms will fall before even they realize.

^^

Chene, go easy with your words, kay...

Name-calling or liberal use of derogatory terms will only create heated environment, and in long run, will take away the fun from this forum.

Yes, Vince always make a lot of noise about how things were done in this country. I gathered from his numerous postings in the past, that he is not exactly sympathetic to BN and as such, he always found ways to nit-picks on development effort anchored by the federal government. Well, nothing wrong with that because constructive criticism is just part and parcel of politics. Just like everything else in this country, the CIQ and the Iskandar project will always be viewed with a hint of partisan bias. BN supporter will see the project as a visionary effort that can propel Johor to greater heights, while opposition supporters see it as a wasterful effort tainted with inefficiency. Some detractors went to so far as saying that Iskandar is a reward to the people of Johor for their unconditional support to UMNO/BN in last general election. Judging from the snail-paced NCER progress, I tend to agree with that view too.

BUT..

having said that, we should learn to respect other people's view. If Vince think that Nusajaya and CIQ is a white elephant, then so be it. Everyone is entitled to his own opinion. If he's right, then we'll be damn. Otherwise, we can have our last laugh. So, please.. please... stop the bashing, stop being so angry, stop personal attack, and stop writing the word idiot in uppercase...

To Vince...since I already in this subject, maybe you care to elaborate why do you think Nusajaya and CIQ qualify as a white elephant?

"Vince always make a lot of noise about how things were done in this country". thats the way he expressed his mind of thought blindly with no satisfy reasons..

okay....i'm sorry if my words "create heated environment" here...
but just put the politic opinion away from the way we think of this issue.either UMNO/BN or DAP/Pakatan Rakyat,they are nothing to me..so,it is not apropriate if we just assume that people who support for any kind of project lead by BN personel; yes!! he/she is a BN prayer and vice versa..i just wonder why malaysian are always think like that..to me, i shall support all the projects which give a benefit to rakyat, no matter who is behind of the project (BN or Pakatan Rakyat)

"Judging from the snail-paced NCER progress, I tend to agree with that view too". mmmm..i dont think so..u must see all the side of perspective why NCER/SCORE/SDC or even ECER progression slower than IM..not just compare with this narowed opinion..(sorry again no offence)

"Well, nothing wrong with that because constructive criticism is just part and parcel of politics".ok...i do agree with that..but please dont 'talk' about politics here since this is Gerbang Perdana THREAD [part 2].

"having said that, we should learn to respect other people's view".btw,thanks for reminding me...:)

[B]"If he's right, then we'll be damn. Otherwise, we can have our last laugh".only God knows the future..just praying n praying for the success..not always condemming till the end of this world..

"stop the bashing, stop being so angry, stop personal attack, and stop writing the word idiot in uppercase."..alrite..but i cant tolerate with people with narow minded without any solution offered..:ohno:

"To Vince...since I already in this subject, maybe you care to elaborate why do you think Nusajaya and CIQ qualify as a white elephant"as what i said..

What is your vision and hope Chene? Traffic jams? Inefficiency? Inconvenience? Maybe you have lived around this pollution-choked and badly-planned city so long that you have forgotten about what could be better for people here. Name-calling would not make all the white elephants go away.

now u're questioning me about my vision n hope??..(n please dont answer your own question too)

"Maybe you have lived around this pollution-choked and badly-planned city so long that you have forgotten about what could be better for people here".yes.. u got the answer aldoy u're assuming..u're very good in predicting something i think..i'm a doctor n working in s'pore n this city for sure..4 times travelling to s'pore and fro a day..

vince,i assume that u're an architect or architecture stdent or city planner seems u know 'much' about city planning..now,lets 'talk' about city planning aldoy i didnt knoe much about this..since u mentioned about badly-planned city, do u mean what??the city to be nusajaya or JB city itself??

pollution-choked; do u mean the city to be nusajaya or the tebrau straits or something else??

"you have forgotten about what could be better for people here".this is a developing city still..a lot of things need to be done..can u clarify more??

"Name-calling would not make all the white elephants go away"what do u mean??i dont catch anything??

Vince, well said. People who live in denial, who cannot accept criticisms will fall before even they realize.

denial=i'm not into this..if u think i'm so,u r in delusion with severe schizophrenia..:ohno:

"who cannot accept criticisms will fall before even they realize"i only accept critics with full of suggestions n solutions..i'm not like u who even put opinion with full of stupidity and hates like what u done in condemming KLIA without realistic manner ..is that the way how u think??

to all my mates,
i apologize if you think i am not 'sitting next to u IN the same table'.every people has the own way to think..
with my humble,i'm sorry again..

from irda website you could see the EDT plan and commuter around JB. and i think that NCER is slower than iskandar is probably due to location.location.location...

I know the proposal of EDT and commuter, that proposal was already there long time ago and included in IDR plan...

However, as works on EDT are more focused to Ipoh-Padang Besar, Sentul-Batu Caves and Seremban-Gemas....nothing being done on Gemas-JB stretch, thus when the JB Sentral completed later......the maximum effect of the project wont be felt after its completion, unless the government start the project now and even if they did, construction may take years and at the end, JB Sentral potential could be wasted for years just because of that...

^^ nope nope nope..NCER is slower bcoz Sime Darby has no focus on that. recently PM already made his statement on Sime performance on NCER...

plus, they are bz with their KLIA East...

Peniaga di laluan CIQ resah pelanggan kurang

Oleh KHADIJAH IBRAHIM


http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2008/1227/Utusan_Malaysia/Johor/wj_03.1.jpg
K. Chandru termenung mengenangkan perniagaannya yang merosot semenjak CIQ Tambak Johor ditutup di Johor Bahru, semalam.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



JOHOR BAHRU 26 Dis. - Para peniaga di sekitar Jalan Meldrum dan Jalan Wong Ah Fook di sini merayu agar kerajaan negeri mengambil langkah segera membantu mereka yang menghadapi masalah kekurangan pelanggan.

Tinjauan Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini mendapati rata-rata peniaga terbabit mengalami kerugian akibat masalah tersebut sejak Kompleks Perkhidmatan Imigresen, Kastam dan Kuarantin (CIQ) mula beroperasi di Bangunan Sultan Iskandar pada 16 Disember lalu.

Pekedai runcit di Jalan Wong Ah Fook, K. Chandru, 34, berkata, Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru (MBJB) juga boleh memainkan peranan dengan mengurangkan kadar sewa kedai memandangkan pelanggan kini sudah berkurangan.

''Jika dulu dalam sehari saya boleh dapat kira-kira RM4,000, kini sehari nak dapat RM1,000 pun susah sebab pendapatan sudah berkurangan sebanyak 70 peratus.

"Kalau pendapatan kurang, macam mana nak bayar sewa. Saya harap pihak berkenaan boleh kurangkan kadar sewa sebab peniaga nak dapat untung pun susah," katanya.

Bangunan Sultan Iskandar yang menempatkan CIQ yang baru memulakan operasi tepat pukul 12 tengah malam 16 Disember lalu bagi memudahkan perjalanan keluar masuk antara Johor Bahru dan Singapura.

Seorang peniaga majalah dan surat khabar di Jalan Meldrum, Mohamad Sharif, 20, berkata, pihak berkaitan perlu memikirkan sesuatu langkah bagi memulihkan perniagaan di kawasan itu.

Menurutnya, kedai-kedai di sekitar jalan tersebut tidak lagi menjadi tumpuan ramai berbanding sebelum ini dan sebahagian lokasi dilihat seolah-olah 'mati'.

Katanya, sama ada hari biasa atau cuti umum, kawasan berkenaan lengang menyebabkan jualan kedainya merosot sebanyak 40 peratus sejak pembukaan CIQ baru.

Mohamad berkata, sebelum ini, ramai rakyat negara ini yang bekerja di Singapura singgah untuk membeli majalah dan surat khabar apabila pulang daripada kerja.

''Dulu waktu pagi dan petang memang ramai orang singgah di sini untuk membeli akhbar sebelum pergi atau selepas balik kerja. Sekarang ini, tengoklah berapa orang sahaja yang datang walaupun hari ini cuti umum," katanya.

Disebabkan pelanggan semakin kurang, Mohamad terpaksa mengurangkan pesanan akhbar dan majalah daripada vendor berbanding biasa.

Sementara itu, pengurus Restoran Seri Madina, Mohammad Musa, 46, berkata, pelanggannya semakin berkurangan kerana kawasan itu tidak lagi dikunjungi ramai orang.

''Walaupun restoran ini dibuka 24 jam namun perniagaan terus merosot. Bila orang kurang, pekerja pun terpaksa dikurangkan dan begitu juga dengan lauk-pauk bagi mengelak kerugian," katanya.

Peniaga dakwa rugi sejak CIQ dibuka

JOHOR BAHRU – Para peniaga di sekitar Jalan Meldrum dan Jalan Wong Ah Fook di sini mendakwa mengalami kerugian sejak Kompleks Perkhidmatan Imigresen, Kastam dan Kuarantin (CIQ) Sultan Iskandar beroperasi pada 16 Disember lalu.

Menurut mereka, sebelum ini kedai-kedai di sekitar jalan tersebut menjadi tumpuan ramai, terutama pejalan kaki dan penunggang motosikal tetapi kini lengang.

Tinjauan Utusan Malaysia hari ini mendapati keadaan di sekitar jalan tersebut seolah-olah ‘mati’ walaupun pada hari cuti umum yang biasanya ia menjadi tumpuan orang ramai.

Seorang peniaga majalah dan surat khabar di Jalan Meldrum, Mohamad Sharif, 20, berkata, jualannya mula merosot sebanyak 40 peratus sejak pembukaan CIQ baru.

Katanya, sebelum ini, ramai rakyat negara ini yang bekerja di Singapura singgah untuk membeli majalah dan surat khabar apabila pulang daripada kerja.

“Dulu waktu pagi dan petang memang ramai orang singgah di sini untuk membeli akhbar sebelum pergi atau selepas balik kerja.

“Sekarang ini, tengoklah berapa orang sahaja yang datang walaupun hari ini cuti umum,” katanya ketika ditemui di kedainya di sini hari ini.

Disebabkan pelanggan semakin kurang, Mohamad terpaksa mengurangkan pesanan akhbar dan majalah daripada vendor berbanding biasa.

Sementara itu, Pengurus Restoran Seri Madina, Mohammad Musa, 46, berkata, pelanggannya semakin berkurangan kerana kawasan itu tidak lagi menjadi dikunjungi ramai orang.

“Walaupun restoran ini dibuka 24 jam namun perniagaan terus merosot. Bila orang kurang, pekerja pun terpaksa dikurangkan dan begitu juga dengan lauk pauk bagi mengelak kerugian,” katanya.

now u're questioning me about my vision n hope??..(n please dont answer your own question too)

"Maybe you have lived around this pollution-choked and badly-planned city so long that you have forgotten about what could be better for people here".yes.. u got the answer aldoy u're assuming..u're very good in predicting something i think..i'm a doctor n working in s'pore n this city for sure..4 times travelling to s'pore and fro a day..

vince,i assume that u're an architect or architecture stdent or city planner seems u know 'much' about city planning..now,lets 'talk' about city planning aldoy i didnt knoe much about this..since u mentioned about badly-planned city, do u mean what??the city to be nusajaya or JB city itself??

pollution-choked; do u mean the city to be nusajaya or the tebrau straits or something else??

"you have forgotten about what could be better for people here".this is a developing city still..a lot of things need to be done..can u clarify more??

"Name-calling would not make all the white elephants go away"what do u mean??i dont catch anything??


Chene, well, bad planning means building something not functional but just for grandoise purposes. In my opinion, CIQ and Nusajaya are just such examples. CIQ is huge but not very functional. I always feel that our government would not build this facility so huge if Singapore did not have a big complex in Woodlands too. What's wrong with something smaller and more functional? For instance, what's the use of JB Sentral (beside CIQ) when no double-tracking of KTM rails is in place? For Nusajaya, like I said before, it should never even have started. The new area is too far and huge coastal swamps that cool the city down are clear cut and huge tracks of land used for development when JB is still in tatters. JB and its surroundings need a lot more investments to improve. And for such a huge urban area like JB to be so inefficiently run and maintained, what's the use of a new "administrative area"?

You are right, there are a lot of things that need to be done. However, I find that they are placed in the wrong priorities. Where is that planned LRT from 10 years ago? Where is the coastal highway to Permas Jaya? Why is everything in such a mess? Why are things always hyped but only get half-heartedly done? (Waterfront mall, Danga Bay etc.) Why are there so many abandoned projects? We need to learn how to walk before we run.

Chene, you have been reading too much into the politics thread. Criticisms of abandoned buildings and badly-built projects do not equate bashing the Feds. I would have been heaping praises if the CIQ has been run like clock-work, eradicating all the traffic jams and pollution problems from day 1. So what's wrong about commenting on the inefficiency of the CIQ when it really is so?? Why the denial??

Someone once said that you can have a VISION, but you need to also EXECUTE it well and have good ACCOUNTABILITY. Without those, the vision is just an empty vessel. Can you say that people who build our infrastructures, projects and facilities in our city have these? Mind you, I'm not just referring to the government, but to private developers as well.......

^^ok..now i got u dude...tx for that...:)

A walk too far for regular user of the CIQ


I AM sure all Malaysians who have used the new CIQ are impressed by the beautiful and modern design. But there is room for improvement and as a poor guy who travels daily to Singapore, I really wish such improvements can be done.

My fellow travellers were complaining mainly on the walking distance and the public bus waiting area.

I wonder whether the architect of the CIQ ever tried to walk from the main entrance to the clearing area? It takes at least 10 minutes to walk up and down the many staircases.

The public bus waiting area is worse. I have seen hundreds of people chasing the bus. No one bothered to queue up and I can understand why as the area for queuing can only accommodate 20 people.

The designer most probably never travelled to Singapore during peak hours and hence, underestimated the crowd. Seeing the chaos, I would rather be the first few to walk all the way to Singapore Customs — which still took me 30 minutes even though I walked fast.

The solution is simple. Use the new CIQ for public transport travellers. For those who travel by cars, motorcycles or tourist buses, they should be the ones using the new CIQ.

For those who travel to Singapore to work daily, we should have the convenience of

using the old Customs building. This will

save everyone at least an hour a day and it will be much nearer for us to walk to the Singapore Customs.

BOO WEI HAN,
Johor Baru.

Do something quick for CIQ commuters


I WOULD like to echo “A walk too far for regular user of the CIQ” (The Star, Dec 23) .

The lanes leading to the immigration clearance booths are long and winding. After going round and round, all the lanes finally end up in a two-lane bottleneck.

The new CIQ is supposed to help ease traffic. Before it was opened, every one was looking forward to it, happily thinking that massive traffic jams would be a thing of the past. But alas, it’s worse than before.

In addition, the long and winding lanes are dangerous. After clearing immigration, one has to be careful when driving out, because one can’t possibly see oncoming traffic due to the building’s design. Many people have complained about this. Accidents are bound to happen.

So, here is a suggestion. Please build humps all the way along the lanes after clearance.

In most countries, oncoming traffic is clearly visible after clearance at the immigration booths.

Those taking public buses are facing a worse nightmare. It takes about 10 minutes to walk up and down the many staircases. Why so many?

Many people prefer to walk to the Singa*pore Customs to avoid being late for work or for school. But that takes about 30 minutes at a brisk clip.

It will only worsen when school reopens. Many students who are studying in Singapore are already worried.

How are they going to explain to their respective schools about the traffic chaos at the checkpoint?

Let’s hope that someone will come up with a brilliant idea to solve the traffic woes at the new Johor Baru CIQ. A workable solution is all we commuters ask for.

CAROL WONG,
Johor Baru.

New CIC toll payment Road users are informed that toll payments via Touch n Go card will be accepted at the new Customs, Immigrations and Quarantine (CIQ) complex in Johor Baru. Those who wish to purchase a new card, reload their existing card, or check their Touch n Go balance can do so between 8.30 am and 6.00 pm at the Touch n Go Hub at the causeway.

CIQ complex a major letdown


THERE are reportedly over 150,000 Malaysians who work in Singapore, and it is worth to note that they are bringing in billions of ringgit annually to the local economy.

It is pertinent also to note that the majority of them commute daily between Singapore and Johor Baru.

Hence one could be forgiven to think that the Government would take their needs into consideration when designing the new CIQ complex.

I was one of those who were particularly looking forward to the new multi-billion ringgit CIQ complex. Imagine my utter disappointment when the CIQ was opened?

What is the rationale in making us walk more than one kilometre from the entry point next to the railway station to the bus terminal which includes three flights of stairs, five escalators, one walkalator, a long walk, Immigration counters, another walk and an escalator?

Has no one actually considered the fact that we have to walk this far every day, twice a day, in a bustling crowd? Added to this is the fact that some parts of the path are exposed to rain and the intermittent disruption in the escalators.

What is the rationale in designing bus bays with inadequate queue bars leading to a free-for-all every peak period – where the most aggressive get rewarded with seats?

Does anyone know the volume of users who will be using the bus to travel to and from Singapore? I haven’t seen a single Immigration officer assisting the intimidated bus conductors in managing the chaotic condition down there.

What is the rationale in merging five lanes from the old checkpoint into two lanes in the temporary access road? Did no one foresee a bottleneck would be created there?

What is the rationale in making the two lanes in the temporary access road as narrow as it is now? There are, if I am not mistaken, three hairpin bends over a stretch of about one kilometer that effectively makes the two lanes into one when a bus makes the turn at the bends. Again, did no one foresee a bottleneck would be created here?

To a layman like me, these point to inadequate planning and some might even say it was built with no consideration to the actual users. I am very interested to hear what the Immigration Department has to say about this and more importantly, their remedial action in resolving the problems.

COSTRONIC,

Singapore.

Trees make way for road construction
TheStar

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/1/2/southneast/se_01tree.jpg

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/1/2/southneast/se_03trees.jpg

Lifeless: The state of the trees located at Jalan Lingkaran Dalam. New CIC toll payment Road users are informed that toll payments via Touch n Go card will be accepted at the new Customs, Immigrations and Quarantine (CIQ) complex in Johor Baru. Those who wish to purchase a new card, reload their existing card, or check their Touch n Go balance can do so between 8.30 am and 6.00 pm at the Touch n Go Hub at the causeway. Medical counselling St. John Ambulance Malacca is giving free electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood sugar tests to members of the public aged 35 years and above on every first and third Friday of the month from 8pm to 10pm. The public can bring along their medication for free medical counselling.

'Lubuk emas' perniagaan JB berdepan kegelapan

JOHOR BAHARU 4 Jan. — Pusat bandar Johor Baharu yang disifatkan sebagai 'lubuk emas' oleh golongan peniaga, kini berhadapan dengan masa depan yang gelap berikutan perpindahan Pusat Kastam, Imigresen dan Kuarantin (KIK) di Tambak Johor ke Bangunan Sultan Iskandar yang bernilai RM1.3 bilion.

Berikutan daripada perpindahan KIK tersebut bermula 16 Disember lepas, kawasan perniagaan yang sebelum ini dibanjiri oleh puluhan ribu pengunjung setiap hari terutamanya oleh rakyat Malaysia yang berulang-alik untuk bekerja di Singapura, kini mulai sepi.

Kesannya, perniagaan di pusat bandaraya merudum lebih 50 peratus sejak perpindahan itu dan satu demi satu peniaga mengambil keputusan untuk menutup premis mereka daripada menanggung lebih banyak kerugian.

"Dalam waktu yang amat singkat, lebih 20 peratus daripada peniaga di sini telah pun bertindak menutup kedai-kedai mereka, kesan daripada kejatuhan perniagaan akibat perpindahan KIK di Tambak Johor itu," kata pemilik restoran, Abdul Aziz Mohamad di sini, hari ini.

Beliau menjangkakan keadaan akan menjadi lebih buruk selepas Tahun Baru Cina bulan depan apabila lebih ramai peniaga mengambil keputusan untuk menutup perniagaan mereka.

Abdul Aziz berkata, berdasarkan kepada persekitaran perniagaan yang terus lesu di pusat bandaraya ketika ini, beliau menjangkakan lebih 60 peratus daripada premis di kawasan itu akan ditutup selepas Tahun Baru Cina tahun ini.

Beliau yang memiliki dua buah restoran 24 jam dengan sewa bulanan RM16,000 setiap satu berkata peniaga-peniaga berhadapan dengan masalah sewa bulanan yang tinggi disebabkan status kawasan itu sebagai lubuk emas perniagaan.

Peniaga di Medan Selera Meldrum Walk, Sim Tee Seng, 46, pula berkata, perniagaannya terjejas teruk kerana pelanggan utamanya iaitu rakyat Malaysia yang berulang-alik ke Singapura untuk bekerja tidak lagi mengunjungi kedai.

"Saya hanya dapat bertahan sehingga Tahun Baru Cina ini, jikalau keadaan masih tidak berubah, saya dan peniaga-peniaga lain di medan selera ini akan tutup perniagaan dan berpindah ke tempat lain," katanya.

Sebelum ini, katanya beliau memperoleh kira-kira RM200 sehari daripada perniagaannya, tetapi kini berhadapan dengan kesukaran walaupun untuk memperolehi RM50 sehari sejak pusat KIK di Tambak Johor itu dipindahkan.

Chin berharap, jalan penyelesaian dapat ditemui dalam masa terdekat ini untuk meringankan beban yang terpaksa ditanggung oleh para peniaga di pusat bandaraya itu.

Seorang lagi peniaga, Haja Maideen Mohamad Maideen, 71, pula meminta pihak berkuasa membuka semula pusat KIK di Tambak Johor untuk pejalan-pejalan kaki yang keluar masuk ke republik tersebut sebagai langkah untuk memulihkan situasi ekonomi di pusat bandaraya itu.

"Ketika ini keadaan kami diibarat sudah jatuh ditimpa tangga, kerana keadaan ekonomi sekarang adalah gawat dan ditambah pula dengan perpindahan KIK Tambak Johor. Kami hanya menunggu masa (untuk gulung tikar)," katanya.

Sementara itu tinjauan mendapati banyak restoran, premis tukaran wang asing dan kiosk menjual suratkhabar, minuman serta rokok yang terdapat di pusat bandaraya itu telah pun ditutup.

- Bernama

Its time to move on buddy!!!

CIQ teething woes to go up before Cabinet


JOHOR BARU: The problems pla*guing the new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex will be brought to the attention of the Cabinet this week.

Johor Baru MP Datuk Shahrir Samad said that after the discussion at Cabinet level he hoped to visit the site this month to see how the problems could be tackled.

“I have been receiving complaints, and I am aware of the unhappiness,” he said yesterday.

Among the grouses raised by the public are narrow roads, long queues at the complex, poor signage, traffic congestion, and dirty toilets.

The people have also complained about not being allowed to walk across the Causeway, while business owners have said the new complex had taken their customers away as travellers now bypass the city centre where they are located.

Vandals have also struck at the complex less than a month after its opening, cutting holes in a perimeter fence and posing a possible security breach.

One of those who are unhappy with the complex, Malaysian Indian Business Council president P. Sivakumar, described the new complex as a nightmare for travellers.

“Last week, five businesses including two moneychangers and a restaurant had to close down. We expect the situation to worsen,” he said, adding that the complex was badly designed.

Sivakumar suggested that the old complex be reopened for motorcyclists and pedestrians. This would bring 5,000 to 10,000 travellers into the city again, he said.

Johor Immigration Director Mohd Nasri Ishak said the problems raised were similar to glitches experienced at the old complex located near the Causeway, and he was confident the problems would be overcome soon.

“Everyone must adjust to the new complex. The situation will eventually stabilise,” he said.

Meanwhile, Johor Baru (South) OCPD Asst Comm Zainuddin Yaakob said the police had not received any reports about the complex.

He added that he was not aware that the perimeter fencing around the complex had been vandalised.

CIQ complex a real inconvenience


I HAPPENED to pass through the Johor Baru CIQ by bus a couple of days ago, and I couldn’t agree more with the view by Costronic “CIQ a major letdown” (The Star, Jan 2).

To be sure, the CIQ is indeed a beautiful complex, but if it inconveniences the users, then we, the common people, would deem the project a “failure”.

In the past, whenever there was a bad traffic jam at the Causeway, many people would walk across the Causeway.

But now, it is too far and too inconvenient to walk and we have to suffer inside a crammed, hot and humid bus and wait patiently for the bus to ferry us into the beautiful complex.

Another major failure is the fact that there is no taxi stand in the complex.

In order to take a taxi, commuters would have to either take a long walk to the town to board a bus at CIQ to Larkin or Kota Raya. The senior citizens will definitely have a tough time.

One solution would be to re-open the old Customs complex to cater for people who opt to walk. It would save a lot of time for daily commuters.

SEE BAU,

Shaha Alam, Selangor.

CIQ blues for city-centre traders
Satiman Jamin

UNLIKE an economic downturn that takes months or years before businesses "die", the opening of the new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex at the Sultan Iskandar building took only two weeks to bring businesses in the city centre to their knees.

http://www.nst.com.my/JohorBuzz/Thursday/Stories/2445529/insidepix1?display=small
GHOST TOWN: Malabar restaurant closed down after the new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine building opened on Dec 16.

For years, businesses in the city centre have been fed by the traffic to and from Singapore through the Causeway.

But some of these businesses "died" almost overnight when its main artery was cut off on Dec 16 as the road linking the CIQ to the Causeway bypassed the city centre.

At least one restaurant ceased operations on New Year's eve after two weeks of sluggish business that left the owner and his workers staring at empty tables instead of serving customers.


Now, the Malabar restaurant is shuttered, for the first time since the 24-hour eatery opened for business three years ago.

Business owners generally were shocked by the abrupt and drastic change.

Clothing shop owner Emilshah Mahmood, 47, said his Jalan Wong Ah Fook business would have to close down as well.

He said business had fallen by 75 per cent and was not even enough to cover the rent, let alone give him a profit.

"After 10pm, we can even play football on the five-foot way if we want to. That's how bad things are now," he said, adding that previously the night time takings formed half his income.

"Now I can only sell RM300 worth of goods in the day time, about a quarter of what it was before. Nights are worse."

Emilshah said the RM10,000 a month rental is too steep but he doubts if the owner would lower it.

"I had no problem making a small profit in the past four years, but now I simply can't afford it any more"

Another businessman, Anand Muthusamy, 30, said instead of making a profit, he is piling up losses.

"I used to sell 30 cartons of cigarettes a day. Now I count myself lucky if I can sell even one."

Anand is taking care of his uncle's business as well, managing five shoplots which had been sub-rented.

"Two of the sub-tenants folded a week ago and the other three are likely to follow suit if the current conditions persist," he said.

A budget hotel operator said his occupancy rate is down to almost zero as the city ceased to be a stopover.

"The city is like a vast sea of empty space now, and I don't know how much longer I can stay in business."

The plight of businesses here was highlighted by Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister and Johor Baru member of parliament Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad recently.

Shahrir said he would bring up the matter at the cabinet meeting this week.

"According to earlier plans, the Federal Government will build a slip road from the new CIQ to the city centre to ensure the human traffic there was enough to sustain businesses but it has not materialised."

Pulai member of parliament Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed echoed Shahrir's sentiment, as part of the city is under his constituency.

"More than 1,000 entrepreneurs operating in the city centre are suffering because of the low traffic now."

Even Malaysians returning from work in Singapore complain about the distance from the CIQ to the city.

Johor Baru MCA division public complaints bureau deputy chief Michael Tay said he had received many complaints regarding the distance bus passengers have to walk to get to the city centre.

"By the time they reach the city they are too tired to shop or even dine although they love the ambience and food there."

Tay said the busloads of Malaysians who come back from work in the evenings had suggested that the old CIQ be used as a terminal for buses to and from Singapore.

Not to worry Pak Lah and geng will come to rescue soon just like LCCT,may be they will tear down the old checkpoint and build new one ha!!!!!Better still if they let sime darby
operate it too!!!

CIQ plagued by complaints
Friday January 9, 2009

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/1/9/southneast/se_02ciq.jpg

Many issues: The new CIQ has been plaqued with
problems from the time it began operations in Dec last year.

JOHOR BARU: The new Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex, has regularly been featured in the media but for all the wrong reasons since it started operations on Dec 16 last year.

The new and modern RM750mil complex was supposed to be the country’s pride when it was commissioned to replace the old CIQ, nearly after 40 years.

Unfortunately from day one, the CIQ has been the subject of various complaints, such as the congestion along the two-lane short term access into the CIQ, pedestrians having to walk a long way from the CIQ to get to town, poor signages and lack of bays for buses.

There were also complaints about narrow lanes for cars, pedestrians not allowed to walk across the causeway and even dirty toilets.

Previously a person could cross the 1km causeway within 15 minutes and easily get a bus to town but now the trip will easily take about 30 to 40 minutes including a 15 minute walk through a winding 1km road to the new CIQ, then to clear immigration before a long walk to Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, where the buses usually wait.

Various questions have arisen as to why these problems were not rectified when AMPM Sdn Bhd, which won a multi-million ringgit government contract to run the complex for five years with an additional five year extension, carried out several trial runs before the opening?

Small and Medium Enterprises Association of South Johor president Teh Kee Sim did not mince his words when he said that: ”The problems haunting us now indicates that no long term or holistic planning was done before the CIQ was built in 2003.”

One possibility he highlighted was the fact that the CIQ was built to cater for a bridge across the causeway into Singapore.

Whatever the reasons, the project is now costing taxpayers millions as compensation alone for cancelling the bridge project and building of a short-term access road had almost touched RM500mil.

Each day the disgruntled voices of the people using the new CIQ seems to be getting louder especially as the complex is not only used by about 60,000 commuters daily but it also provided livelihood for hundreds of business operators in Johor Baru town.

Surely the first to feel the pinch are dozens of moneychangers, restaurant owners, hawkers and traders who peddle cigarettes along Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Jalan Ngee Heng, Jalan Siew Chin and Jalan Segget.

Some of these business folk had reported that they had lost about 60% of their daily sales.

Many businessmen are already describing the new CIQ as the “JB killer” as 50% of the traffic bypasses Johor Baru town area via the new CIQ.

The situation is expected to get worse when the Government agencies in Johor Baru start moving to the new Johor State New Administrative Centre (JSNAC) in Nusajaya, about 30km away in the coming months.

“Is the government planning to turn Johor Baru into a ghost town. How will Iskandar Malaysia be a success without JB city?,” Malaysian Indian Business Council president P. Sivakumar asked.

He added that these problems were compounding to the present strain felt by businesses in the city especially with Singapore in a technical recession.

The time has come for our leaders especially the owners of the CIQ, the federal government, to visit the CIQ and talk to the people there and gauge the problems faced by thousand of Malaysians. Many workers and students leave their homes as early as 4am to get across to ensure they are not late for work or school in Singapore.

These workers are important to the country’s economy as they bring back millions of ringgit in foreign exchange and they have a right to air their grievances.

The government should direct AMPM Sdn Bhd to get its act together and rectify problems like broken fences and keep the toilets and walkways clean. A special committee comprising experts from various fields including traffic and town planning must be formed to ensure all the problems at the CIQ is rectified and mitigated.

The government must ensure that the permanent eight-lane-bridge link from the CIQ to the causeway is done quickly to ensure there will be no bottleneck at the RM200mil short term access road, which is causing the massive jams especially during peak hours.

Effort must be made to open up the old CIQ to pedestrians to ensure the businesses in the city continue to survive and a proper taxi stand should also be built to pick up and drop passengers.

The congestion at the new CIQ could further be eased if the KTM station at the causeway is allowed to provide shuttle service to Singapore Woodlands checkpoint during peak hours.

The Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) should also play a role by working with the Johor Baru City Council to draw up plans to spruce up Johor Baru to attract more visitors.

As for operations at the causeway, the committee should look into sending immigration and customs personnel for courtesy courses on how to treat visitors with a smile as they are the frontliners welcoming visitors into Malaysia.

Effort must also be made to place the Touch & Go readers at the immigration booths, similar to Singapore, as it is inconvenient for a driver to move his car a few metres after stamping his passport and again stop to use their Touch & Go card. Many of these problems at the CIQ could easily be rectified if the people tasked with planning and operating complex resolve these problems promptly.

It is of paramount importance that everything is done to ensure Johor Baru does not turn into a ghost town as the city plays a key role as one of the growth areas in the mammoth Iskandar Malaysia project.

We welcome feedback.

^^^
Well, a comment that is non-constructive at all as always

When would the permanent access be open?

^^^
Well, a comment that is non-constructive at all as always

yeah...we can see many non-constructive commentaries especially those done by government. their comment based on hatred and pre-judgement to be honest.

why the hell people can even point out issue on those small traders? hell, those businesses owner should know what 'business' is all about or don't do business lah. simple problem pun tak boleh nak handle, then blame government!

yeah...we can see many non-constructive commentaries especially those done by government. their comment based on hatred and pre-judgement to be honest.

why the hell people can even point out issue on those small traders? hell, those businesses owner should know what 'business' is all about or don't do business lah. simple problem pun tak boleh nak handle, then blame government!

yalo, y only now they protest but not before the built of the CIQ complex :bash:

^^coz pak lah is sooooo weak/soft...if mahathir still the PM,they wont say anything...huhuhuuh:nuts::nuts:

hahaha :nuts:

The waiting queue during rush hours reflects bad planning at the waiting bays. They just can't cater to the amount of human flow. The "exodus" amounts to more than tens of thousands each day.

Worst of all, there are people without public etiquette, pushing and cutting queue as they like. Such disorder is worst than the previous experienced we had with the old customs.

JB Sentral on the other hand is not utilize at all since it has yet to open its door to the public. Even if it does, how do they expect commuters to walk in the entrance from JB sentral to the main Inspection building and walk back to JB Sentral to take a bus ride. Moreover they are no physical direct linkage from JB Sentral to the causeway. Such disarray cannot avoid seamless complaints and I sincerely urge authorities and relevant ministries to see this matter seriously.

Struggling to make ends meet
By ZAZALI MUSA and GLADYS TAY

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/1/12/southneast/se_01traders.jpg

JOHOR BARU: A change in the flow of traffic since the opening of the new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex in Bukit Cagar on Dec 16 last year is forcing many traders in the city centre to either close shop or move elsewhere.

This is because most motorists exiting the complex would now head straight into Jalan Tebrau and Jalan Skudai thus by-passing the city centre.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/1/12/southneast/se_04road.jpg
Quiet: The main roads in the city are almost empty

As a result, many traders in the city centre are claiming that they are now struggling to make ends meet.

Restaurant owner A. Martin, 38, who has been operating in Jalan Trus for the past two years said he would have to find a place to move if business did not improve in the next two months.

“My customers are mainly those who go to work in Singapore on motorcycles and since the opening of the new CIQ, my business dropped drastically from about 150 customers to only about 20 customers per day,” he said.

He added that he might lay off some of his 12 workers because he no longer needed them and could not afford to pay their salaries anymore.

Martin was one of the 60 businessmen who voiced their grievances during a meeting with representatives from the various chambers of commerce and industry here recently.

A moneychanger company director A. Sharbudeen said his business dipped about 70% since last month.

“We use to operate from 6am to 2am or even 24 hours during peak seasons but now, we are closed at 11pm because the surrounding areas would be deserted by 7pm,” he said.

The 50-year-old businessman said he was looking for a place to relocate.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/1/12/southneast/se_04restaurants.jpg
Slow business: Restaurants which were full with people have been doing badly since the new CIQ opened on Dec 16.

He suggested that all Malaysians crossing the border, or at least the motorcyclists, should be allowed to use the old CIQ.

“This can help bring back more people into the city on a daily basis and keep businesses going,” he said.`

Other suggestions brought up during the meeting included allowing pedestrians to use the old CIQ, building a road to direct traffic from the new CIQ to the city centre and offering shuttle services from the new CIQ to the city centre.

A working committee comprising leaders of the Indian, Malay and Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry in the state was set-up during the meeting to compile the problems and suggestions by the traders.

Headed by the Johor Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JICCI) vice-president Datuk K. Kenneth Eswaran, the committee would hand over their finding and suggestions to Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman via state Unity, Human Resources, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman M. Asojan.

However, the new CIQ complex opening seemed to have benefited the Johor Baru City Square which had experienced an increase of 30% in sales.

Its general manager Jenny Chan said in an interview that the pedestrian bridge connecting the shopping centre to JB Sentral which was part of the new CIQ was the factor bringing more shoppers and visitors.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/1/12/southneast/se_04bridge.jpg
Not affected: A picture showing the pedestrian bridge linking the CIQ complex with the City Square Complex in Johor Baru. Businesses have been doign well in the mall since the bridge linking both buildings were built.

Chan said traffic congestion had eased along Jalan Wong Ah Fook and Jalan Tun Abdul Razak making it easier for shoppers to visit the centre.

“Our tenants are happy and reported that their earnings have increased, she said in an interview.”

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/1/12/southneast/se_04mainroads.jpg
Ghost town: Most of the traders in Johor Baru town are forced to close early due to lack of customers

Proprietor of Original Levis Store at the ground floor of the shopping centre Jason Loh said October and November 2008 were slow months at the shop but sales now had improved after the opening of the CIQ.

A new tenant J.CO Donuts & Coffee International is optimistic that the company made a right decision to open an outlet at the shopping centre.

“Judging from the respond we received at the shopping centre, we are confident that the Johor Baru outlet will do well,” said its marketing communication manager Indriana Listia Rahma.

...poor them...bad planing betul....!!!]

http://www.nst.com.my/JohorBuzz/Tuesday/MyJohor/20090113071508/insidepix1?display=small
ALL GONE: Jalan Wong Ah Fook is a lonely place at night since the opening of the new CIQ building. It was once the centre of various activities.

....waaa.so quiet...dis area used 2 be dem bz.....

Its time for revamp then, I suppose this area all shop caters only to those in and out from Singapore.New shops and different concepts will help bring back the crowds.Cafes or eateries something like that. No place for those who dont follow trends or stuck with old concept of business

Its time for revamp then, I suppose this area all shop caters only to those in and out from Singapore.New shops and different concepts will help bring back the crowds.Cafes or eateries something like that. No place for those who dont follow trends or stuck with old concept of business

Someone proposed night market in that area. U think is new concept? Hahaha

Footsore and furious with new CIQ
Satiman Jamin

http://www.nst.com.my/JohorBuzz/Thursday/Stories/2452055/insidepix1?display=small
SINGAPORE used to be just 20 minutes away on foot but now, that is the time Raja Qahaarruddin Raja Abdul Aziz, 38, takes to reach the new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) departure gate at Sultan Iskandar Building in Johor Baru.


THE LONG ROAD: The walking distances and lack of pedestrian lane were part of the building design.

RAJA QAHAARRUDDIN RAJA ABDUL: Suggested a shuttle service


SELVARAJAH NADARAJAH: Rules prevent Malaysians from turning back
Like many Malaysians who work in Singapore, he had to change his daily routine since the new CIQ complex started operation on Dec 16 last year.

Raja Qahaarruddin was elated when it was first announced that the new CIQ had been completed, but never expected it to be such a pain to use the facility.

"The place is huge and its understandable that we have to walk quite a bit, but the twist and turns made the travelling distance much further than it truly is."


He said that after parking his motorcycle at a car park opposite the CIQ, he will have to go through the pedestrian bridge linking the new building and the Johor Baru City Square (JBCS).

"I could have reached Singapore within the same time that I took to walk to the auto-gate passport clearance point."

Raja Qahaarruddin claimed that the auto-gate had crashed three times during the first two weeks of operation.

He said the manual system was too slow to clear the queue, which caused additional discomfort to those that had already walked the distance from the City Square.

"Although I was exhausted by the time I reach the CIQ, I was still thankful because those who were ill, the elderly and the disabled will fare much worse."

The pedestrian bridge could not be used after 10pm when the mall closes and he had to take his chances by dashing across the Jalan Tun Abdul Razak to get to the CIQ complex.

"Thankfully, there was not much traffic at night and I can watch out for passing vehicles but there is not much I could do if it rains."

Raja Qahaarruddin said now he could not walk to Singapore even if he wanted to as there was no pedestrian lane at the CIQ.

"Furthermore, the authorities had put up signboards saying that no pedestrians are allowed, so I will have to wait for a bus or a private vehicle willing to give me a ride when there was no public transport available.

"I work odd hours in Singapore, so now I could get stuck in the CIQ if there is no vehicle going to Singapore willing to give me a ride at 1am as I was also not allowed to walk there even if the roads were empty."

He suggested a shuttle service to help those like him get across to Singapore at odd hours.

A pensioner Selvarajah Nadarajah, 60, from Kim Teng Park here said Malaysians could only send off their relatives at the pedestrian bridge because only those with valid passports were allowed through.

"It's such a pity that ordinary Malaysians will never get to see the interior of the beautiful CIQ complex unless they travel to Singapore."

Selvarajah was also concerned that the guard at the pedestrian bridge had informed him that once the passport has been scanned, a person could not abort his journey because the routes are one way only.

"What if I get an emergency call, do I have to ignore it and proceed to Singapore before I could turn back? Singapore never forces their citizens to go to Malaysia, but this rule essentially forces Malaysians who have gone through the CIQ checkpoint to proceed to Singapore."

He said the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) still allows visitors inside its building despite being more security-sensitive facility.

"Its beyond me how the new CIQ complex could be treated as more security-sensitive than KLIA."

Johor Immigration Department director Nasri Ishak said there was no computer system failure although he admitted that some technical glitches did occur.

"That was during the first days of our operation there and the problems had been rectified."

Nasri said those who have emergencies and wanted to turn back only need to inform the immigration officers at the CIQ and they will be escorted out of the building.

"It's not true that people have to go all the way to Singapore to turn back once their passports have been scanned."

However, Nasri said the long walking distances and lack of pedestrian lane were part of the building design.

"My officers also have to walk long distances to get to their booths every day but that's the way it is."

Footsore? I guess at Jalan Ah Fook and Jalan TAR can be turned into a foot reflexology paradise!

convert the town into ximending or mongkok!

http://www.nst.com.my/JohorBuzz/Tuesday/MyJohor/20090113071508/insidepix1?display=small
ALL GONE: Jalan Wong Ah Fook is a lonely place at night since the opening of the new CIQ building. It was once the centre of various activities.

....waaa.so quiet...dis area used 2 be dem bz.....

yeah, this area used to be jammed teruk (the condition is very similar to bukit bintang) but i think it is nice when traffic can no more pollute/congest the area. business should be good then...

...alfresco dining for example?

Disheartened to find forumers taking pot-shots at the affected business people in the area. I guess this is the Malaysian way: Step on others when they are already down. I guess noone can feel the pain of others if they themselves are not affected. This new CIQ has driven out the traditional businesses around the old CIQ and essentially making JB into a ghost town. This goes to show how much the city centre of JB is heavily dependent on border crossings. It also highlights bad planning on the part of city-planners, especially for pedestrians. If JB already had comfortable LRT stations at the city centre, people would be more mobile and the city centre would not suffer such a fate now. Again priorities are wrongly placed. Problem is, after the hassle of crossing through the new CIQ, people are just in a rush to go home without wanting to use the services of the city centre. I would suggest the authorities own up to their blunders and make the crossings a lot smoother. There is still a way to save the new CIQ's reputation but I don't know if the authorities are doing anything about it. A year from now, if the jam worsens, then you know it's business as usual for them: that is, noone cares.

Cancellation Of Crooked Bridge Cause Of JB City Centre To Be Deserted - MB

TANGKAK, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- The cancellation of the crooked bridge project to replace the Johor Causeway is the main cause of the Johor Baharu (JB) city centre to be deserted, thus adversely affecting the business of traders there.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman who said this, explained that when the planned bridge project was cancelled, the government had to build a road link from the causeway to the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex, also known as the Sultan Iskandar Building.

For that, he said, the connecting road to Jalan Tanjung Puteri had to be closed and road users had to use the inner ring road to enter the city.

"The Sultan Iskandar Building was actually planned together with the bridge to Singapore to replace the Johor Causeway. If the bridge was built, a number of roads would be constructed too, passing through Tanjung Puteri for people to get to the city centre," he added.

He was responding to complaints from business operators in the JB city centre that their business had been adversely affected by the construction of the short road link from the city centre to the CIQ complex.

Abdul Ghani had earlier witnessed the handing-over of welfare aid to recipients in conjunction with the Chinese New Year and to 220 flood victims from the Ledang district, by his wife Datin Paduka Prof Dr Jamilah Ariffin at Dewan Jubli Intan, here, today.

He further explained that the short road link from the city centre to the CIQ complex was only for a short term before another medium-term link could be built.

"But this link too cannot solve the traders' problem of poor business as the passage to Tanjung Puteri will still be closed for construction work," he said, adding that the problem could only be solved if the bridge project went on.

Abdul Ghani said the state government was studying the usage of the CIQ complex for one month before coming up with a plan to solve the city centre's traders' problem.

He said it was still too early to ascertain the effects of the CIQ complex as it was only opened late last year.

On another development, Abdul Ghani said the state government was studying the proposal for several tourism projects involving billions of ringgit in investment in Mersing, including the building of international-class resorts in Pulau Tengah and Pulau Sibu.

He said a coastal highway would also have to be built from Sedili in Kota Tinggi to Mersing, costing RM120 million, under the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) development programme.

"The consultant company appointed for the project is preparing the design of the highway, and construction is expected to start in the middle of this year through open tender."

He said a study on the proposed tourism projects would also be carried out to ensure the projects would not have adverse effects on the environment.

-- BERNAMA
-----------------------------------------------

wait for 1 to 2 months and then look how it goin to be. maybe crooked bridge should be resumed while the new CIQ shall be closed temporarily...

Disheartened to find forumers taking pot-shots at the affected business people in the area. I guess this is the Malaysian way: Step on others when they are already down. I guess noone can feel the pain of others if they themselves are not affected. This new CIQ has driven out the traditional businesses around the old CIQ and essentially making JB into a ghost town. This goes to show how much the city centre of JB is heavily dependent on border crossings. It also highlights bad planning on the part of city-planners, especially for pedestrians. If JB already had comfortable LRT stations at the city centre, people would be more mobile and the city centre would not suffer such a fate now. Again priorities are wrongly placed. Problem is, after the hassle of crossing through the new CIQ, people are just in a rush to go home without wanting to use the services of the city centre. I would suggest the authorities own up to their blunders and make the crossings a lot smoother. There is still a way to save the new CIQ's reputation but I don't know if the authorities are doing anything about it. A year from now, if the jam worsens, then you know it's business as usual for them: that is, noone cares.

the consturction of the north south highway did bring the demise of business in the pass-thru towns such as kuala kubu bharu, bentong etc...

it is expected that any infra construction will produce winners and losers. building highways, high speed internet, improving services etc...

however, as a whole, the nation advances as more stumbling blocks are elimated. singapore-malaysia trade will increse as it would be easier to go between countries using better infra.

the consturction of the north south highway did bring the demise of business in the pass-thru towns such as kuala kubu bharu, bentong etc...

it is expected that any infra construction will produce winners and losers. building highways, high speed internet, improving services etc...

however, as a whole, the nation advances as more stumbling blocks are elimated. singapore-malaysia trade will increse as it would be easier to go between countries using better infra.

Erwin, the N-S Highway is by-and-large a success I gotta say. However for the CIQ, there are still traffic jams and pedestrians are much more inconvenienced. On top of that, businesses suffer. Now tell me who are the "winners"? I only see losers in this case. I would want to see this nation acting more mature when it comes to planning. Instead of wasting money on big infrastructure and buildings such as the CIQ which produce little effects, more should be done to make sure things operate much more smoothly. In this case, as you can see, it is clearly not.

Erwin, the N-S Highway is by-and-large a success I gotta say. However for the CIQ, there are still traffic jams and pedestrians are much more inconvenienced. On top of that, businesses suffer. Now tell me who are the "winners"? I only see losers in this case. I would want to see this nation acting more mature when it comes to planning. Instead of wasting money on big infrastructure and buildings such as the CIQ which produce little effects, more should be done to make sure things operate much more smoothly. In this case, as you can see, it is clearly not.

Don’t you really think that it is a bit too premature to make conclusions? I wonder, with all the constant whining that you do, what genuine efforts have you made to improve things yourself (apart from uselessly complaining here)? Please don’t quote your tax payments or count your posts here as being even slightly helpful - it is the wrong avenue.

There must be a limit to pessimism in any matter- otherwise it becomes terribly difficult to progress. Being positive does not mean denial too-but looking at the matter in a different perspective and finding ways out. For as long as I can remember, people have been complaining of jams because of the checkpoint, forcing traders to move into the suburbs. Now when it is freer, people complain it is too quiet. But places like CS are seeing better times apparently. If you are in JB now, you might realise that there is more willingness to travel into the city centre these days. I had lunch at CS last Friday, never would have thought of doing so before! I think this move will allow JB to redefine its CBD, to modernise and implement plans that were constrained by severe traffic congestion. It may take a year, two or even five, but it will be better in the long run.

Besides reading your demoralising posts, people should also know that the new CIQ is absolutely stunning! I used it on a weekend and it was smooth and wondered if JB is the first city outside KL to have a travellator? People complain about walks, but I think the walk from the Singapore checkpoint to Woodlands centre bus stop is definitely longer and tiring.

Whining and complaining have become a revolting Malaysian passion among some, yet there is no more novelty about it - in fact it has become somewhat clichéd!

^^^^:applause::applause::applause::applause:

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

where is that tall long bridge from the CIQ goes? and why hasn't it being built

Don’t you really think that it is a bit too premature to make conclusions? I wonder, with all the constant whining that you do, what genuine efforts have you made to improve things yourself (apart from uselessly complaining here)? Please don’t quote your tax payments or count your posts here as being even slightly helpful - it is the wrong avenue.

There must be a limit to pessimism in any matter- otherwise it becomes terribly difficult to progress. Being positive does not mean denial too-but looking at the matter in a different perspective and finding ways out. For as long as I can remember, people have been complaining of jams because of the checkpoint, forcing traders to move into the suburbs. Now when it is freer, people complain it is too quiet. But places like CS are seeing better times apparently. If you are in JB now, you might realise that there is more willingness to travel into the city centre these days. I had lunch at CS last Friday, never would have thought of doing so before! I think this move will allow JB to redefine its CBD, to modernise and implement plans that were constrained by severe traffic congestion. It may take a year, two or even five, but it will be better in the long run.

Besides reading your demoralising posts, people should also know that the new CIQ is absolutely stunning! I used it on a weekend and it was smooth and wondered if JB is the first city outside KL to have a travellator? People complain about walks, but I think the walk from the Singapore checkpoint to Woodlands centre bus stop is definitely longer and tiring.

Whining and complaining have become a revolting Malaysian passion among some, yet there is no more novelty about it - in fact it has become somewhat clichéd!

Argory, instead of asking me to cap my pessimism, why don't you limit your senseless optimism?

Demoralising for people who think it is ok to sweep dust under the carpet for sure. For people who want to see accountability and progress, criticisms can only spur improvements. Stunning yes for people rich enough to drive through the complex and view from the comfort of their aur-conditioned cars. For the other folks who rely on mass transit, going through the CIQ is by no means a leisurely daily "walk through the park". Think about it, you want to know what is cliched? Comparing this CIQ to Singapore, yes! That is cliched! I don't want to do this, but when the new Woodlands CIQ was completed, people only saw improvements, not chaos like that in JB. We built this complex almost 10 years after them, how come the authorities never learnt anything? Where is the accountability? There is none. This only makes us the laughing stock and you are still proud about it?

I notice Argory, you tend to want to paint a beautiful and unsoiled picture of everything Malaysian here in Skyscraper. You always frown when someone posts something that is perceived negative about Malaysia. I remember when someone put up the rat problem in KL, you were crying foul. What kind of attitude is that? Who are you trying to fool? For the longest time, I had been enjoying skyscrapercity. In the past, practically noone knew how to go against the norm: singing unecessary praises by chanting "Malaysia Boleh". Now I'm glad there are Malaysians who would be brave enough to stand up and get their voices heard. People like me are merely trying to put a balance to a lack of criticism and having Malaysians who are always a "yes man" to authority, rightfully or wrongfully.

Argory, instead of asking me to cap my pessimism, why don't you limit your senseless optimism?

Demoralising for people who think it is ok to sweep dust under the carpet for sure. For people who want to see accountability and progress, criticisms can only spur improvements. Stunning yes for people rich enough to drive through the complex and view from the comfort of their aur-conditioned cars. For the other folks who rely on mass transit, going through the CIQ is by no means a leisurely daily "walk through the park". Think about it, you want to know what is cliched? Comparing this CIQ to Singapore, yes! That is cliched! I don't want to do this, but when the new Woodlands CIQ was completed, people only saw improvements, not chaos like that in JB. We built this complex almost 10 years after them, how come the authorities never learnt anything? Where is the accountability? There is none. This only makes us the laughing stock and you are still proud about it?

I notice Argory, you tend to want to paint a beautiful and unsoiled picture of everything Malaysian here in Skyscraper. You always frown when someone posts something that is perceived negative about Malaysia. I remember when someone put up the rat problem in KL, you were crying foul. What kind of attitude is that? Who are you trying to fool? For the longest time, I had been enjoying skyscrapercity. In the past, practically noone knew how to go against the norm: singing unecessary praises by chanting "Malaysia Boleh". Now I'm glad there are Malaysians who would be brave enough to stand up and get their voices heard. People like me are merely trying to put a balance to a lack of criticism and having Malaysians who are always a "yes man" to authority, rightfully or wrongfully.

Well, you missed my main question to you but never mind, I have to assume that you just don’t have an answer.

Being positive as I stated quite clearly, is not about denial or sweeping dust under the carpet – just a limit on overt negativity. There are much more benefits being a positive thinker than a negative one – every successful person will quote you that.

I used Woodlands Centre as a comparison, because, like JB, it is the nearest point that you will find shops and restaurants before and after clearing customs & immigration. The comparison was for walk time and nothing more than that. And just to let you know, I used the bus.

Now about rats, “Kuala Lumpur Street Level” is a pure photo-thread contained under a dedicated photo sub-forum within Forum Pencakar Langit called “Skyscrapers and Cityscapes” under a title explanation “Post your photos here!”. It was completely irrelevant and disrespectful of forum guidelines to post a recycled news article on rats in a thread dedicated to photographs of Kuala Lumpur, taken at street level. That, as I saw it, was a deliberate attempt to hijack a rather well-viewed photo-thread which many had contributed to. That news article could have gone into the Urban section without problems but that forumer (who remains banned) specifically chose this thread to post it. This was why I protested.

All these endless discussions on political nonsense and complaints came in much later and unfortunately silenced many of the true gems of this forum. How many of the pioneer guys here that you see actively participate in your so called liberated discussions? Please lah… don’t award yourself the credit of making the Malaysian a braver citizen – it is laughable.

I think the very fact that the whining thread on politics is dumped into the mamak section shows how great and relevant the discussions are to this skyscraper forum.

Now more cliché for you… Half full or half empty? Come on la… lighten up a bit.

The Malaysian Government never seems to learn from their mistakes.Yes,they believe strongly in Malaysia Boleh. Their egoistic behaviour will just lead them nowhere. It seems to me that the architect who designed this mega complex never actually commute to singapore from JB before using the old checkpoint. The main problem of our Malaysian Government is that they want big mega advanced buildings,super high rise skyscrapers ,,....but,have they ever though that will this project benefit the people??....It is undeniable that they want name and glamour.They want their complex to be bigger than singapore's woodlands checkpoint but what's the point?It's useless.The recent proposal to build a new LCC Terminal at Labu is also another perfect example of our government's egoistic behaviour. They want brand new LCCT.They want bigger LCCT.New airport.They want 3 airports in KL.But have they ever thought that KLIA will be at the losing end?MAHB is trying their very best to increase their passenger capacity to avoid their runway from being under utilised. We cannot deny the fact the new CIQ complex is a complete failure.Our government is to be blame for this bad planning. We desperately need a government who is able to think far.What happens if the amount of vechicles using the complex increases?What happens if the number of Johoreans working in Singapore increases???The CIQ is definately gonna be packed like LCCT. Traffic congestions will be back like before the CIQ complex was constructed. So what's the next move?Build another 3rd CIQ complex using tax payer's money again is it?

The Malaysian Government never seems to learn from their mistakes.Yes,they believe strongly in Malaysia Boleh. Their egoistic behaviour will just lead them nowhere. It seems to me that the architect who designed this mega complex never actually commute to singapore from JB before using the old checkpoint. The main problem of our Malaysian Government is that they want big mega advanced buildings,super high rise skyscrapers ,,....but,have they ever though that will this project benefit the people??....It is undeniable that they want name and glamour.They want their complex to be bigger than singapore's woodlands checkpoint but what's the point?It's useless.The recent proposal to build a new LCC Terminal at Labu is also another perfect example of our government's egoistic behaviour. They want brand new LCCT.They want bigger LCCT.New airport.They want 3 airports in KL.But have they ever thought that KLIA will be at the losing end?MAHB is trying their very best to increase their passenger capacity to avoid their runway from being under utilised. We cannot deny the fact the new CIQ complex is a complete failure.Our government is to be blame for this bad planning. We desperately need a government who is able to think far.What happens if the amount of vechicles using the complex increases?What happens if the number of Johoreans working in Singapore increases???The CIQ is definately gonna be packed like LCCT. Traffic congestions will be back like before the CIQ complex was constructed. So what's the next move?Build another 3rd CIQ complex using tax payer's money again is it?

i think u need to read more about the new LCCT..its Tony who wanted so badly n not the gvmt....

CIQ woes to be brought to Cabinet


JOHOR BARU: Reopening the old Customs and Immigration complex to pedestrian traffic can be one solution to the long walk public transport users now endure at the new CIQ.

Another will be for public buses to drop off passengers at the main entrance to the CIQ, which is at the west side of the building.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said he would propose these and other measures to the Cabinet as soon as possible.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/1/20/nation/n_20shahrir.jpg
Green lanes: Shahrir at the new CIQ complex in Johor Baru Monday.

Shahrir, who is also the Johor Baru MP, was speaking to reporters after a closed-door meeting with the relevant departments and authorities on the CIQ issues.

Among those present were PWD director-general Datuk Seri Prof Judin Abdul Karim, Works Ministry deputy director-general (development) Datuk Nasir Mat Dam, Gerbang Perdana managing director Datuk Yahya A. Jalil and PWD-Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu project director Zulkifly Nadom.

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

Shahrir noted that another problem was the long and winding route from Johor Baru Central to the Immigration counters and then to the bus bay.

On the problems faced by traders in the city, Shahrir said they would be given the chance to rent a lot either at Johor Baru Central or within the complex.

“I am sure businessmen who had shops at the old CIQ and the areas nearby will want to get a lot in the new building or at Johor Baru Central,” he said.

Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said Johor was seeking approval from the Federal Govern-ment to build a new RM200mil medium-term link from the CIQ to the Causeway.

The link would allow motorists to drive straight to Singapore, he told reporters at the opening of Teo Seng Capital Bhd’s new RM40mil corporate office and production complex near Yong Peng.

He pointed out that the new CIQ was designed to cater for a bridge which would replace the Causeway, but the bridge project did not take off, hence the problems.

i think u need to read more about the new LCCT..its Tony who wanted so badly n not the gvmt....

but the government was the one who gave the green light~~...did they did a careful study on the proposal?~~~

i think u need to read more about the new LCCT..its Tony who wanted so badly n not the gvmt....

but the government was the one who gave the green light~~...did they did a careful study on the proposal?~~~

^^

Agree with pynshi, Tony or any businessmen want a lot of things but this is where govt plays a pivotal role to make sure any proposals are heavily justified and in the end, Malaysia and Malaysians are the one NOT TO BE BURDEN if this doesn't work out as planned.

Nonetheless, this proposal or suggestion had been submitted to govt and already approved. I really really hope that the proposal is equipped with economy and feasibility studies and other technical requirements. No one should approve million/billion Ringgit proposal by just looking at two pages proposal (kind of exaggeration, but you get the point).

Proposals to improve CIQ complex to be brought to cabinet
20-01-2009:-

JOHOR BAHRU:The Sultan Iskandar Building, which houses the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) centre, should be integrated with the Johor Bahru city centre for the benefit of the complex users and traders in the city centre.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said yesterday six proposals to improve the CIQ complex to make it more user-friendly had been drawn up to be submitted to the cabinet for consideration.

Shahrir had visited the CIQ complex with Works Ministry Deputy Secretary-General Nasir Md Dam and Public Works Department Director-General Datuk Seri Prof Dr Judin Abdul Karim yesterday morning.

He was later met by reporters after launching the donation drive for the Palestinian Humanitarian Fund here organised by the Larkin Terminal Traders and Tenants Association.

Shahrir said among the proposals was having Customs and Immigration inspection counters at the old CIQ site in Jalan Tun Razak and at JB Sentral.

The Customs/Immigration counters at the old CIQ complex will be able to serve pedestrians crossing between JB and Singapore, while the counters at JB Sentral should be for those using private or public transport and not entering Singapore so that they will not have to walk far to the counters at the new CIQ complex.

Shahrir, who is also Johor Bahru MP, said it was also proposed that the development of JB Sentral, which had not been completed, should complement the City Square shopping centre and Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak.

This was to make JB Sentral, which would be an integrated public transport hub, incorporating rail, taxi and bus services, a part of the city folk’s daily life.

Another proposal is that stage buses, taxis and other public transport vehicles be allowed to enter the parking area in front of the Sultan Iskandar Building.

Shahrir said an alternative road should also be built for vehicles coming from Singapore and wanting to enter the city centre to help sustain businesses in the city centre.

“The new CIQ complex is aimed at preventing traffic congestion outside the city but at the same time, we must also facilitate travel into the city centre,” he said.

On another matter, Shahrir said the task of managing JB Sentrals’ business area would be tendered out to those interested. — Bernama

Funny now the government is trying to put the blame on the cancellation of the bridge which has caused this problem at the CIQ. Well, the last I heard, the government was the one who cancelled the bridge project......Anyway, I really want someone to step forward and admit wrongdoings. After that, there should even be public enquiries into how proper studies had never been conducted and implemented before such a project was approved. If not, such attitude to mega projects would continue being unchallenged, all at the expense of the tax payers and the reputation of our country.

Well, you missed my main question to you but never mind, I have to assume that you just don’t have an answer.

Being positive as I stated quite clearly, is not about denial or sweeping dust under the carpet – just a limit on overt negativity. There are much more benefits being a positive thinker than a negative one – every successful person will quote you that.

I used Woodlands Centre as a comparison, because, like JB, it is the nearest point that you will find shops and restaurants before and after clearing customs & immigration. The comparison was for walk time and nothing more than that. And just to let you know, I used the bus.

Now about rats, “Kuala Lumpur Street Level” is a pure photo-thread contained under a dedicated photo sub-forum within Forum Pencakar Langit called “Skyscrapers and Cityscapes” under a title explanation “Post your photos here!”. It was completely irrelevant and disrespectful of forum guidelines to post a recycled news article on rats in a thread dedicated to photographs of Kuala Lumpur, taken at street level. That, as I saw it, was a deliberate attempt to hijack a rather well-viewed photo-thread which many had contributed to. That news article could have gone into the Urban section without problems but that forumer (who remains banned) specifically chose this thread to post it. This was why I protested.

All these endless discussions on political nonsense and complaints came in much later and unfortunately silenced many of the true gems of this forum. How many of the pioneer guys here that you see actively participate in your so called liberated discussions? Please lah… don’t award yourself the credit of making the Malaysian a braver citizen – it is laughable.

I think the very fact that the whining thread on politics is dumped into the mamak section shows how great and relevant the discussions are to this skyscraper forum.

Now more cliché for you… Half full or half empty? Come on la… lighten up a bit.

You mean the question of what steps I'd taken to improve myself? Well, I have the liberty to choose what to or what not to disclose about myself here in the public. I too have flaws and people around me have sneered at, ridiculed and criticized me. I have to accept negativities from people as that is the only way to realize my own mistakes and hopefully improve. Everyone has to go through that. Mind you, I'm not bragging or anything, but I am trying to take steps to improve myself constantly. One thing I want to improve is to be more vocal and not to be hypocritical. Well, you are the one being pessimistic now. Who says these negative discussions would never end? One day when there are improvements around, they would probably silence me. Until that day comes, myself and many others would not stop giving our comments.

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

where is that tall long bridge from the CIQ goes? and why hasn't it being built

Funny this long elevated road doesn't even pass through the CIQ....It just heads straight to the causeway/suspension bridge. Don't think it was ever meant to be built.....Maybe drawn in just to look good? Or maybe no funds or just bad planning? Who knows....

Laluan penghubung KIK, Tambak Johor dibina


BATU PAHAT: Satu laluan penghubung Kompleks Kastam, Imigresen dan Kuarantin (KIK) dengan Tambak Johor akan dibina bagi mengatasi pelbagai masalah yang didakwa berlaku sejak pembukaan kompleks berkenaan Disember lalu.

Menteri Besar, Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, berkata pihaknya sudah menghantar cadangan reka bentuk laluan penghubung berkenaan kepada kerajaan pusat untuk dipertimbangkan.

Beliau berkata, jika cadangan itu dipersetujui, peruntukan kira-kira RM200 juta diperlukan bagi membina laluan berkenaan.

"Sebenarnya, mengikut rancangan awal KIK itu dibina bersama dengan jambatan dan satu laluan dirancang dari Tambak Johor ke KIK itu bagi mengelak kesesakan lalu lintas.

"Bagaimanapun, apabila pembinaan jambatan itu dibatalkan dan KIK sudah siap lebih awal, kita terpaksa membuka satu laluan sementara yang akhirnya menutup beberapa laluan untuk masuk ke pusat bandar Johor Bahru.

"Sebab itu, kita mencadangkan satu laluan baru bagi mengatasi pelbagai masalah kesan pembukaan KIK itu. Laluan yang dicadangkan itu nanti dijangka akan menjadi penghubung antara KIK dengan Tambak Johor," katanya kepada pemberita selepas merasmikan pejabat syarikat pengeluar telur ayam, Teo Seng Capital Berhad, di Yong Peng, di sini, kelmarin.

Abdul Ghani berkata, laluan yang dirancang dibina itu juga dijangka terus menjadi penghubung antara KIK dengan jambatan baru, jika Tambak Johor dirobohkan satu hari nanti.

"Pada dasarnya kerajaan pusat bersetuju dengan reka bentuk laluan berkenaan dan jika pelaksanaannya diluluskan ia mungkin mengambil masa kira-kira satu setengah tahun untuk disiapkan," katanya.

Cabinet to study feedback on CIQ

SIX suggestions on the operation of the Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex will be forwarded to the cabinet soon.

http://www.nst.com.my/JohorBuzz/Thursday/Stories/2459625/insidepix1?display=small
Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad (centre) and Works Department officers visiting the Sultan Iskandar Building Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex.
The feedback received is from the public.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said the suggestions were aimed at making the CIQ a part of the Johor Baru city and its people.

The suggestions are:

- Creating better sidewalks along the approach to the CIQ's entrance which is being "taken over" by stage buses and private vehicles.

- Allowing stage buses into JB Sentral. Passengers now have to alight before the CIQ entrance.

- Adding special Customs counters for pedestrians travelling to the CIQ.

- Putting up Customs counters for pedestrians at the old checkpoint at the Malaysia-Singapore Causeway.

- Improving plans to promote Johor Baru as a centre for tourism as the location of the CIQ has diverted traffic away from the city centre.

- Relocating the hawkers near the Causeway whose business has been affected.

Funny this long elevated road doesn't even pass through the CIQ....It just heads straight to the causeway/suspension bridge. Don't think it was ever meant to be built.....Maybe drawn in just to look good? Or maybe no funds or just bad planning? Who knows....

after long observation,i'll assume that the bridge would likely a new link for truck and lorry if the couseway brigge is built, as now the lorry still use the old CIQ....

You mean the question of what steps I'd taken to improve myself? Well, I have the liberty to choose what to or what not to disclose about myself here in the public. I too have flaws and people around me have sneered at, ridiculed and criticized me. I have to accept negativities from people as that is the only way to realize my own mistakes and hopefully improve. Everyone has to go through that. Mind you, I'm not bragging or anything, but I am trying to take steps to improve myself constantly. One thing I want to improve is to be more vocal and not to be hypocritical. Well, you are the one being pessimistic now. Who says these negative discussions would never end? One day when there are improvements around, they would probably silence me. Until that day comes, myself and many others would not stop giving our comments.

I think you misunderstood the question, but nevermind.

JB Sentral from Jalan Tun Abdul Razak
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/IMAGE_060-Copy.jpg

Inside JB Sentral 1
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/IMAGE_061-Copy.jpg

Inside JB Sentral 2
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/IMAGE_062-Copy.jpg

JB Sentral Exterior 1
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/IMAGE_063-Copy.jpg

Big Hall u will see after JB Sentral
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/IMAGE_068-Copy.jpg

On the way to "DEPARTURE HALL"...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/IMAGE_069-Copy.jpg

People coming from JB sentral(left)...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/IMAGE_070-Copy.jpg

"DEPARTURE HALL", it is HUGE!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/IMAGE_071-Copy.jpg

there you go...i can't see any reasons for not making the new LCCT a fresh looking airport...

JB Sentral from Jalan Tun Abdul Razak
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/IMAGE_060-Copy.jpg

Inside JB Sentral 1
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/IMAGE_061-Copy.jpg

Inside JB Sentral 2
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/IMAGE_062-Copy.jpg

JB Sentral Exterior 1
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/IMAGE_063-Copy.jpg

Big Hall u will see after JB Sentral
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/IMAGE_068-Copy.jpg

On the way to "DEPARTURE HALL"...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/IMAGE_069-Copy.jpg

People coming from JB sentral(left)...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/IMAGE_070-Copy.jpg

"DEPARTURE HALL", it is HUGE!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/IMAGE_071-Copy.jpg

lagi hebat dari KLsentral....:banana:

^^^ almost as hebat as KLIA

hahah

nice hope it will open soon jb sentral

by Wayne_Lim

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3079/3138717834_847fc33909_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3197/3137892381_64a2619a50_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/3137892803_29e4aaf27c_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3092/3137890151_88421d135c_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/3137893293_52f50467da_o.jpg

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

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

New CIQ complex improves sales


THE new Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (CIQ) is bringing some cheer to the tenants of Johor Baru City Square shopping centre.

The Dec 16 opening of the RM1.3bil complex has created mixed feelings among businessmen and traders operating in the city centre.

Some said their businesses were affected as the new CIQ was far from the city centre, unlike the old customs complex, and many people no longer patronised their outlets. But others, like those in Johor Baru City Square, said that with less traffic congestion, people were more comfortable going to the city centre to shop or dine.

For years, the bad traffic crawls along Jalan Tun Abdul Razak and Jalan Wong Ah Fook in the Johor Baru Central Business District (CBD) were the norm for motorists travelling between the city and the old complex.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/2/2/business/b_p5jasonLoh.jpg
Jason Loh showing a vintage 1901 Levi's jeans priced at RM1,589.

“Traffic at Johor Baru City Square has increased by more than 30% since the opening of the new CIQ complex and our tenants are happy,’’ said its general manager Jenny Chan.

She said feedback from the tenants showed that their sales had risen and what was important now was to capitalise on the crowd.

Chan said the pedestrian bridge connecting the shopping centre to JB Sentral, which is part of the complex, was a factor for the increase in the number of visitors.

The improvement in car traffic along Jalan Tun Abdul Razak and Jalan Wong Ah Fook has attracted more motorists to the shopping centre. Johor Baru City Square, sited in the Johor Baru CBD, was attracting 1.5 million visitors monthly before the opening of the CIQ and is popular with Singaporeans.

It is also known as the fashion centre among Johor Baru’s youngsters and they gather in their most stylish and fashionable clothes; pretty much like the scene in the Bukit Bintang area in Kuala Lumpur and Orchard Road, Singapore.

“We positioned Johor Baru City Square as the ‘lifestyle’ for all and will continue to offer exciting products to our visitors,’’ Chan said.

Jason Loh, proprietor of the Original Levi’s Store in Johor Baru City Square, said October and November were slow months for the shop but sales had improved after the CIQ opened.

He was initially worried and was prepared for the worst. “Fortunately, things are getting better and my shop has seen a 30% increase in sales on weekdays and 50% increase on weekends and public holidays,’’ Loh said.

Singaporeans made up 40% of his customers as Levi’s jeans sold in Johor Baru were 20% to 30% cheaper than in Singapore.

Orifocus Sdn Bhd is also recording better sales from its two FOS outlets at the shopping centre since the opening of the CIQ.

Management information system manager Michele Yeo Tisn Tse said the outlets received many shoppers from Singapore.

Apart from the two stores in Johor Baru City Square with built-up areas of 6,000 and 13,000 sq ft, the company opened its third outlet with a floor area of 13,000 sq ft at AEON Bukit Indah on Dec 19. It currently has 41 stores nationwide and this year it will open five new outlets – three in the Klang Valley and two outside elsewhere.

“We are going to Singapore in mid-2009 and are currently looking at several malls there.’’

She said the company would continue to expand despite the slowdown but would do so cautiously, adding that the recession was the best time to expand as mall operators would usually offer good rental rates.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/3253215031_3d856ee650.jpg?v=0

Johor out to stimulate CIQ-hit businesses


JOHOR BARU: The state is confident that the slow pace of business caused by the opening of the new CIQ in December would be solved soon.

Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said they were now observing the situation and hoped to formulate plans to liven up the city.

He said the plans would help businesses and residents to adapt to a new environment.

“We will also clean up Sungei Segget and the new image can bring about many benefits to the city,” he said at the Chinese New Year dinner hosted jointly by the Johor Baru Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCCI) on Wednesday.

Businessmen and traders had complained about declining business as traffic had now been diverted away from the city centre after the CIQ was opened.

Abdul Ghani said the state government was optimistic about the economic growth in Johor, as investments in Iskandar Malaysia had started pouring in since late last year.

He advised factory owners to use this challenging period to look into new ways of production.

“Perhaps by retrenching workers, including foreigners – in an effort to save cost – they can come up with new ways of production that are not labour intensive.

“As such, even after the economic situation has improved, they will no longer need to hire foreign workers,” he said.

On another matter, Abdul Ghani said the government would consider having a representative each from the Malay, Chinese and Indian chambers of commerce here at local authorities’ meetings.

JCCCI president Datuk Soh Poh Sheng said he had asked for such representation because members wanted to know more about the development in their areas through the local authorities’ meetings.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/3253215031_3d856ee650.jpg?v=0

How come my google earth never show the completed CIQ? :nuts::lol:

How come my google earth never show the completed CIQ? :nuts::lol:

Because of the cloud google earth reverse to more old satellite pics. If u use newest version google earth . got a function can view Historical imagery(A clock logo).slide to 2006 then u can see this building.

A few pics of JB Sentral and Sultan Iskandar CIQ from yesterday:

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

Full story over at 2Bangkok: Trip report: Sing-JB, including JB Sentral and new CIQ (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=24584)
Larger versions at my homepages: http://jpatokal.iki.fi/photo/travel/Malaysia/Train-SinJB/index.html

Executive summary: beautiful, way too large, designed by total idiots with no consideration whatsoever for public transport users :bash:

Because of the cloud google earth reverse to more old satellite pics. If u use newest version google earth . got a function can view Historical imagery(A clock logo).slide to 2006 then u can see this building.

ah... thanks.. Hahaha. i can see it now. :nuts:

Good and bad of CIQ
Anis Ibrahim
IF one lives in a new, grand-looking house, does that mean that all is fine and well, compared to the goings-on in a hut? No, of course not.

http://www.nst.com.my/JohorBuzz/Friday/MyJohor/2477987/insidepix1?display=small
The CIQ building — Pictures by Zulkarnain Ahmad Tajuddin

http://www.nst.com.my/JohorBuzz/Friday/MyJohor/2477987/insidepix2?display=small
The pedestrian walkway connecting the CIQ with Johor Baru City Square.

http://www.nst.com.my/JohorBuzz/Friday/MyJohor/2477987/insidepix3?display=small
A long row of taxis on Jalan Tun Razak awaits those exiting the CIQ (left) on foot.

History shows that a person's abode has little bearing on the state of his life at home.

This is true in the case of the brand-new Sultan Iskandar Complex, also known as the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex or CIQ for short.

There is no doubt that the complex looks impressive from the outside. One could even go as far as to say that its spotless new interior reminds one of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.


For that was partly what the CIQ was meant to do -- impress.

Impressing the public, however, means providing good service and not inconveniencing them in the process.

Travellers who exit or enter the country on foot or by bus need to be better impressed.

Those who cross the Causeway in their own vehicles need only drive up to the immigration booths to have their passports checked, a process which takes only 10 minutes.

Pedestrians, on the other hand, have to walk into and out of the CIQ.

Pedestrians here include tourists who could be entering Malaysia for the first time.

It is not the duration spent walking the length of the complex but the distance that one has to walk.

The route which pedestrians take in order to reach the immigrations and customs checkpoints is more than one kilometre.

A friend commented that he would make sure he wears running shoes the next time he uses the CIQ.

For those working in Singapore, the "morning rush" clearly takes on a whole new meaning as they have to practically run through the complex.

Despite that, the actual operations of the CIQ would impress me if our taxi drivers could shed their bad habits.

My friends and I passed through the complex recently after a day trip to Singapore.

After we cleared customs and while we were still in the building, taxi touts were hanging around, looking for "victims."

Did the CIQ not have any closed-circuit cameras? I was amazed that taxi touts had the freedom to operate inside the building.

That wasn't all. We met another taxi driver up ahead, but this time as we were exiting the complex.

It was 9pm and we needed transport to Danga City Mall to collect our car.

Before we had even gone down the stairs to Jalan Tun Razak, a taxi driver approached us.

"Twenty ringgit," he said confidently.

Did he think we were Singaporeans who didn't know that Danga City Mall was just two kilometres away?

It was clear he thought we were foreigners, ripe and ready to be fleeced.

As we walked away, we heard him shouting desperately after us, "Eighteen ringgit! Okay, okay, fifteen ringgit."

But what annoyed me the most was that standing just a few steps away was a CIQ personnel wearing a pass tag around his neck.

He had heard and seen the tout shouting his price to us but shuffled his feet and did nothing.

Can the Sultan Iskandar Complex attain the good reputation it deserves if its personnel allow taxi touts to operate on its own turf?

One hates to draw comparisons, but first-class nations do not have taxi drivers who refuse to use their meters and cheat their customers.

There is no point in having a beautiful new CIQ if such issues cannot be addressed.

There should be a policy or directive from above to discourage taxi touts from operating at the new CIQ.

Or would that be too much to ask, that a sparkling new immigration complex bearing the name of the Sultan of Johor is void of touts?

I noticed that JB city proper do not have any new building construction at all? I been to JB this CNY holiday

May I know who's the architect design this JB Central?? Anyone??

May I know who's the architect design this JB Central?? Anyone??

Architect : MAA Akitek
Technical Consultants >> http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/about_project_team.html

Anyone, was the old train terminal demolished??

Anyone, was the old train terminal demolished??

still there and still operation.

Old CIQ to be reopened soon
Saturday March 21, 2009
By NELSON BENJAMIN

JOHOR BARU: The old Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex at the Causeway will be reopened to pedestrians.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said the decision was made at a recent Cabinet meeting and the Immigration Department would study the matter.

“I cannot give a definite date for the opening but it will be soon.

“We are looking into the logistics, including manpower for the counters at the old CIQ,” Syed Hamid told The Star yesterday.

He said the Government sympathised with the pedestrians, including workers, who were not allowed to walk across the 1km Causeway since the new CIQ in Bukit Chagar opened.

He hoped that business in the city would be rejuvenated with the reopening of the old CIQ.

Syed Hamid said feedback showed that the congestion problem at the new CIQ was improving.

Johor Baru MP Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad when contacted described the reopening of the old CIQ as timely and hoped that the Immigration Department would speed up the process.

“This is definitely good news for people including those commuting between Singapore and Malaysia as I have received a lot of complaints since the new CIQ opened, especially from those who have to walk a long distance to get to the city,” he said.

Malaysian Indian Business Association president P. Sivakumar said the move would be good for business.

“There will definitely be an increase in the number of people coming into the country as a lot of people walk between Malaysia and Singapore.

“In fact, a lot of Singaporeans take a leisurely walk to Johor Baru to have breakfast or lunch before walking back,” he said, adding that many shops were closed when the old CIQ ceased operations.

The opening of the new CIQ in December led to many complaints of congestion along the two-lane access road leading to the checkpoint and pedestrians had to walk a long way from the CIQ to get to town.

Other complaints were about poor signages and a lack of bus bays.

Emm another flip flop!!!

So goverment admit that this project is fail????
what a xxx decision...

mmm..:ohno: maybe they can install a conveyor belt for pedestrians like in the airport...just an idea;-)

From the newsreport, the old CIQ, is only open for pedestrians walking across the causeway not for cars and buses. Vehicles still go to GP

mmm..:ohno: maybe they can install a conveyor belt for pedestrians like in the airport...just an idea;-)

do you mean along the causeway, that is a good idea for a covered wide walkalator along the causeway. Is there enough space?

All I can say is, very horrible planning before the construction of the CIQ. Now instead of operating one complex, we tax-payers have to foot the bill for the running and maintenance of two CIQs (plus the dysfunctional JB Sentral, and in the future, Nusajaya). The old CIQ site was supposed to be turned into a park for the residents of the congested downtown. Now I guess there won't be one. If there are no checks and balances on the construction of such projects, there would be more waste of funds in the future for sure, as we've seen countless times.

Reasons why Malaysians ought to be angry..........Old news but still very relevant today

Thursday, November 06, 2008
Johor’s Gateway of Fame and Fortune Please…
Posted by: halim_abu_bakar
The Star article by Nelson Benjamin titled Johor’s Gateway of Shame totally caught my attention and I am sure it has also attracted the attention of other Malaysians especially fellow Johoreans. But most of all I hope it did not escape the warranted attention of both Federal and State leaders as it is a criticism of national implications. And as for the Johor leadership towards whom the article is addressed to, this article has to be the wake up call that is long overdue and they should feel like being thrown with a bucket of ice cold water which should jolt them form their long slumber and really pay serious attention.



I am a Johorean; by birth, by geography and by ancestry. Thus I am very attached to this state and whenever articles about my home state gets splashed out in the national or for that matter in the international press, I take good notice. As much as I feel proud when this state gets positive reviews, I also get very agitated and upset when this Southern Malaysian state which borders and almost always is compared to (the more well known and “developed state” of) Singapore; get negative reviews - although this time the criticisms are well-deserved. As a Johorean who also happen to reside near the customs complex and as a concerned citizen of this country, I feel obliged and called upon to give my views sincerely and humbly from the bottom of my heart to follow through Mr. Benjamin’s initiative. I sincerely hope that the editor will not edit what I have to say which hopefully will get positive attention and action as a progress and excellence nation.



Let me congratulate Mr. Nelson Benjamin and The Star for highlighting the plight and may I add fright of the nation which comes in the form of a “southern gateway slum”. I also would like to express my respect to Datuk Donald Lim (as quoted by Mr. Benjamin) for not mincing his words and calling the Tambak Johor Customs and Immigration Complex a slum because that is the only suitable description that befits it. Why have the persons responsible allowed this gateway to deteriorate until its present deplorable and shameful condition? Who are the persons responsible for this? I am genuinely surprised and very puzzled why this remark made over two years ago did not get any reaction nor trigger any responsible action form the state leadership and politicians whose constituency the complex is located. Any responsible leader who takes pride in their state/constituency would have taken up this comment as a challenge and immediately rolled up their sleeves, got their hands dirty to make things right, immediately. But, instead they seem more interested and busy promoting more ‘glamorous projects’, traveling round the world to try sell how great we are when our front door is actually a slum.



When there are failures in any organization, the person most accountable is the leader. I am very disappointed with the Menteri Besar of Johor, state excos and the MP’s of Johor Bahru who have not done anything to improve or at least alleviate this disgraceful situation. Their nonchalance not only reflects on the poor management of the state, but to the foreigners, this also reflects on the management of this country and the mentality of its nation. The MB and state leadership and especially the MP Johor Bahru whose constituency this Complex is situated, has not bothered to give any well deserved attention to the major failure of this important national gateway. This strategic failure seemed to have escaped the MB’s and MP’s distracted attention. The MP of Johor Bahru whom we know is very good at making observations about many issues in his self righteous style commentary appears to have neglected this glum of a slum in his own front yard. He should stop looking elsewhere to demonstrate his heroic exploits and instead behave as a responsible MP to his constituency.



The Sultan of Johor is famed for his “no holds barred” style of ruling and has tirelessly and continuously instructed, advised and reminded the Johor leaders and civil servants in numerous official state functions to work hard, not be lazy and to discharge their duties sincerely to ensure the state is well governed and thus the well being and welfare of Johoreans are well looked after; that is the primary role of the MB and his team. Any flaw in character and the manner in which the MB and the whole state leadership govern also reflect on the head of the state ie. the Sultan himself. This reminder from the Sultan has either fallen on deaf ears or the MB and his team feels that they have done their best. Worse, whatever has been done (more like not done) is the best they can do. If that is the best he can do, then it is in my humble opinion as an eligible voter, it is high time Johor gets injected with new blood and new leadership. We need a leader and a team who are willing to work hard and be sensitive to the plight of Johoreans.



The MB could have killed two birds and spent his efforts to promote and attract investors to the state by improving on what we have as proof of our superior management skills instead of busily jet-setting around the world to do his marketing for Johor. Maybe he has forgotten that action speaks louder than words and thus would have been a more convincing and effective marketing tool.



But despite this feeling of despair that my home state has been accused as “the famous gateway of shame” befitting the total characteristics of a slum complete with graffiti, rubbish, unbearable stench and beggars, I am comforted by the fact that the Federal Government had embarked and completed the new Customs and Immigration Complex which we all await with bated breath for its opening. I beg to differ with Mr. Benjamin and not fall into the same cocoon of mentality that the Singapore Government tends to look at things. The new Complex will complement and not compete with Singapore’s Woodlands Complex. Both Malaysians and Singaporeans make up over 80% of the Complex users and thus will be the biggest beneficiary when the new Complex eventually replaces the Tambak Complex. They will experience a much improved facility and enjoy much better comfort. The state leadership should not be allowed to repeat the mistakes made at the Tambak complex which “became a slum” under their very own eyes and noses. Here is where we wish history will remain history and not be allowed to repeat itself.



This true blue Johorean who has been following through the progress of the Bridge Saga since the project was first announced in 1997 also has another unfulfilled dream. My extreme excitement when the bridge commenced in 2003 was however short lived and I was devastated when the bridge was cancelled in 2006. But deep in my heart, I know that one day a beautiful bridge over the Straits of Johor will become a reality. The imposing and obstructing causeway will one day be removed and the Straits of Johor will revert to its original state. With its water flowing freely, marine life being regenerated and the water clean, I can truly visualize the ambience of a scenic, picturesque and alluring waterfront right in front of my doorstep.



It is also my dream that with all the above benefits tangible and intangible, immediate and long term, the new Johor Gateway of Fame and Fortune will become an invaluable asset to the Government and the nation, not only in itself but also in the overall scheme of social, politics and economic value to the nation. Johor Bahru will be transformed into a world class City Centre and the socio-economic and political status of the people of Johor generally, and Johor Bahru specifically will be improved tremendously.



I again laud Mr. Benjamin’s initiative and The Star for giving us this wake up call. Please continue with this commendable effort to highlight and bring to the attention of the people and those in authority on issues that demand our attention and action. Half the battle is knowing and understanding the problem and the other half is solving it…Thus you have done your half; let us hope the balance half is followed through so that we as a nation will win more battles in our journey to pursue success in achieving our vision and our dreams.

All I can say is, very horrible planning before the construction of the CIQ. Now instead of operating one complex, we tax-payers have to foot the bill for the running and maintenance of two CIQs (plus the dysfunctional JB Sentral, and in the future, Nusajaya). The old CIQ site was supposed to be turned into a park for the residents of the congested downtown. Now I guess there won't be one.
I think you're being a little too negative here -- given the stupid planning that led us to this mess, this is the best way out. A pedestrian-only CIQ should require only a tiny part of the current space, so all the area devoted to cars/buses/trucks can still be demolished and turned into a park, and a tiny fraction of the manpower (2-3 guys stamping passports?), which can be easily borrowed from the new CIQ.

^^ just a question, how may people/day actually cross the causeway on foot?

honestly,,i seriously feel that constructing a MRT link connecting singapore's woodlands checkpoint and JB's checkpoint would be a better option instead of building a mega complex that serves no purporse at all!...:ohno:..atleast,,i strongly believe that more commuters would commute to singapore using the service thus acts as a perfect catalyst in solving our frequent massive congestions on the causeway.With this,,the government can introduce some kinda 'park & ride' package enabling people to park their cars at a multi level car park and ride the train to singapore's checkpoint.From the checkpoint,passengers will then board another train bringing them to kranji mrt station after having their passport's checked.I mean,,come on,,is construction a MRT link between two checkpoints cost more than building a brand new CIQ complex that serves as a white elephant?

honestly,,i seriously feel that constructing a MRT link connecting singapore's woodlands checkpoint and JB's checkpoint would be a better option instead of building a mega complex that serves no purporse at all!...:ohno:..atleast,,i strongly believe that more commuters would commute to singapore using the service thus acts as a perfect catalyst in solving our frequent massive congestions on the causeway.With this,,the government can introduce some kinda 'park & ride' package enabling people to park their cars at a multi level car park and ride the train to singapore's checkpoint.From the checkpoint,passengers will then board another train bringing them to kranji mrt station after having their passport's checked.I mean,,come on,,is construction a MRT link between two checkpoints cost more than building a brand new CIQ complex that serves as a white elephant?

1.MRT link i think is another story. have you ever heard that Johor MB and JB MP support and in talk about the MRT to Jb. they want the MRT, i think it's our federal gov that does not wan the MRT link.

2.park n ride is already introduce. commuter service using the existing KTM diesel train and the car park located in Danga City Mall. haven't you try it yet? only S$3/way and you will end up at tg pagar train station.:banana:

3.the new CIQ is not white elephant. maybe some people think it's white elephant. but not everybody think that way. i don't. at least now Jln tun abd razak is not congested like hell anymore. it's once the most congested road in Malaysia and the old CIQ is very third world place. it's horrible.:ohno:

4.serve no purpose at all? wrong. purpose to provide comfort to commuters instead of the third world CIQ.

5.people, the only problem that i found is it's too far from CS, many stairs, long walking just to enter the CIQ. that's all for a people who take bus like me. but bear in mind, there are escalators, travellator, lifts.... so, they are not really neglecting the commuter. at least they provide something to ease us.:)

6.i think the immigration officer in JB CIQ is one of the best i've ever met besides KLIA. even compared to those officer just across the straits.

7.oh,forget to mention about the JB Sentral. it's not completed yet. so, we can expect more parking after the completion of this station as there are multi level parking in this station. more comfort train station.:banana:

I passed through Gerbang Perdana last week.

What I can say is that the new CIQ is like a gazillion times better than the old one. I was driving, so I couldn't share the plight of commuters but judging from the massive size of the complex, I can imagine the amount of walking that they must endure.

I think to call Gerbang Perdana useless, or "white elephant" or "serves no purpose at all" is a little bit unfair. You can call monstrosity like Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang as a white elephant but this is one definitely not. Has nobody ever notice how it help to smoothen traffic flow in JB? The Old CIQ is an antiquated facilities that has to cope with chronic overcapacities. It is the butt of joke for our neighbour down south, and has never been well described by any travel publication. To me, the Old CIQ (alongside Puduraya Station) is a blemish to our hospitality industry and a constant reminder that we have a long way to go before we can become developed like Singapore. I can never understand when some people reminisce about the Old CIQ complex in endearing term. In their hatred for the current government, have they gone blind over the obvious benefits?

Even with all its inadequacy, surely it must be better than the old CIQ, which is a major embarassment for Malaysia for years especially among foreigners who have experienced the efficiency and the excess of Singapore's civic facilities. Back then, I literally cringed everytime I saw the Third World infra of the old CIQ complex.

In their defense, its not like our authority is not doing anything about it, or denying that problem exists. It has even been discussed at the Federal Cabinet level, and solving this problem currently ranked as the highest priority for the JB city hall. I have no idea how will they clear this mess, but I think opening the Old CIQ for pedestrian traffic might be the most sensible course of action for the moment. Perhaps they should engage the same architect (wasn't it GDP ?) to renovate the Old CIQ so that it can have the same design elements and feels of Gerbang Perdana?

I passed through Gerbang Perdana last week.

What I can say is that the new CIQ is like a gazillion times better than the old one. I was driving, so I couldn't share the plight of commuters but judging from the massive size of the complex, I can imagine the amount of walking that they must endure.

I think to call Gerbang Perdana useless, or "white elephant" or "serves no purpose at all" is a little bit unfair. You can call monstrosity like Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang as a white elephant but this is one definitely not. Has nobody ever notice how it help to smoothen traffic flow in JB? The Old CIQ is an antiquated facilities that has to cope with chronic overcapacities. It is the butt of joke for our neighbour down south, and has never been well described by any travel publication. To me, the Old CIQ (alongside Puduraya Station) is a blemish to our hospitality industry and a constant reminder that we have a long way to go before we can become developed like Singapore. I can never understand when some people reminisce about the Old CIQ complex in endearing term. In their hatred for the current government, have they gone blind over the obvious benefits?

Even with all its inadequacy, surely it must be better than the old CIQ, which is a major embarassment for Malaysia for years especially among foreigners who have experienced the efficiency and the excess of Singapore's civic facilities. Back then, I literally cringed everytime I saw the Third World infra of the old CIQ complex.

In their defense, its not like our authority is not doing anything about it, or denying that problem exists. It has even been discussed at the Federal Cabinet level, and solving this problem currently ranked as the highest priority for the JB city hall. I have no idea how will they clear this mess, but I think opening the Old CIQ for pedestrian traffic might be the most sensible course of action for the moment. Perhaps they should engage the same architect (wasn't it GDP ?) to renovate the Old CIQ so that it can have the same design elements and feels of Gerbang Perdana?

:banana::banana::banana:clapclapclap.....at least somebody is looking at the positive side.

i think it's GPB...Gerbang Perdana Bersepadu.:rock:

1.MRT link i think is another story. have you ever heard that Johor MB and JB MP support and in talk about the MRT to Jb. they want the MRT, i think it's our federal gov that does not wan the MRT link.


there are many bit and pieces of the MRT link

1. some buildings in jb has been torn down to make way for the MRT link
2. kl and sg still talking about legal technicality. ie: jurisdiction, sovereignty, etc.

baiscally, news about the link is scarce from both sides of the straits, if anybody sees news about it, that'd be great.

I passed through Gerbang Perdana last week.

What I can say is that the new CIQ is like a gazillion times better than the old one. I was driving, so I couldn't share the plight of commuters but judging from the massive size of the complex, I can imagine the amount of walking that they must endure.

I think to call Gerbang Perdana useless, or "white elephant" or "serves no purpose at all" is a little bit unfair. You can call monstrosity like Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang as a white elephant but this is one definitely not. Has nobody ever notice how it help to smoothen traffic flow in JB? The Old CIQ is an antiquated facilities that has to cope with chronic overcapacities. It is the butt of joke for our neighbour down south, and has never been well described by any travel publication. To me, the Old CIQ (alongside Puduraya Station) is a blemish to our hospitality industry and a constant reminder that we have a long way to go before we can become developed like Singapore. I can never understand when some people reminisce about the Old CIQ complex in endearing term. In their hatred for the current government, have they gone blind over the obvious benefits?

Even with all its inadequacy, surely it must be better than the old CIQ, which is a major embarassment for Malaysia for years especially among foreigners who have experienced the efficiency and the excess of Singapore's civic facilities. Back then, I literally cringed everytime I saw the Third World infra of the old CIQ complex.

In their defense, its not like our authority is not doing anything about it, or denying that problem exists. It has even been discussed at the Federal Cabinet level, and solving this problem currently ranked as the highest priority for the JB city hall. I have no idea how will they clear this mess, but I think opening the Old CIQ for pedestrian traffic might be the most sensible course of action for the moment. Perhaps they should engage the same architect (wasn't it GDP ?) to renovate the Old CIQ so that it can have the same design elements and feels of Gerbang Perdana?


I gotta be more drastic to bring out people who would counter me. This is called healthy debate my friend. For all your defense of the new CIQ, fine! However, aren't you forgetting that the authorities are again reopening the old CIQ to facilitate people crossing on foot? That would mean the old structure would remain and the embarrassment of the country remains. So now, what is the point of the new CIQ if it cannot take away all the ills of the old CIQ? Wouldn't that make it a white elephant, at least on the part of pedestrians? You see the grand side of the new CIQ (which is the intent in the first place), and I never refute that. And of course you are driving and perhaps would "never understand the plight of the pedestrains". You seem to think that using tax-payer's money to build a flawed new CIQ and then spending more to renovate the old one is a very sensible thing to do. This is called great planning huh? Screw up and then spend more to patch up? Alas I never recall the phrase "serves no purpose at all" being used. The new CIQ does serve a purpose, but it could have been much much better.

I think you're being a little too negative here -- given the stupid planning that led us to this mess, this is the best way out. A pedestrian-only CIQ should require only a tiny part of the current space, so all the area devoted to cars/buses/trucks can still be demolished and turned into a park, and a tiny fraction of the manpower (2-3 guys stamping passports?), which can be easily borrowed from the new CIQ.

How can you keep the pedestrian area without allowing roads for the buses to pass through at the old CIQ? And how would there be a park now that the area has to have security fences around it? There won't be easy access to the coast anymore. More money needs to be spent on new designs and upgrades and maintenance... Hey, tax-payer's money does not grow on trees! And what is going to happen to the huge pedestrian area and hall in the new CIQ? Lie vacant? Or it is only for athletic people who want to "walk the extra mile"?? Think about it before simplifying this mess.

Do you realize that 100 million Ringgit had already been paid to the contractor just for the cancellation of the curved bridge? If you are the only person paying for this money, then I will take everything I say back.

How can you keep the pedestrian area without allowing roads for the buses to pass through at the old CIQ?
That's pedestrian as in people crossing the Causeway on foot. Buses will continue to go to the new CIQ.

Think about it before simplifying this mess.
Read the article before replying :bash:

easy question, are we human as big as the buses,cars and other vehicles who need to use the whole old CIQ?:lol:

I see the new CIQ to have a lot of potential to improve. I think 1st thing must come is the permanent link to the causeway from the CIQ. Without the permanent link , the CIQ will not able to reach the max capacity. Whats the point of having so many counters and 2 lanes of road leading to the CIQ?

I must say re-open the old CIQ for pedestrian is a short term solution. With huge volumes of human crossing the border everyday, I would say the Long Term Solution is Mass Transit either ala MRT or KTM.

A good example is the KCR train service between Hong Kong & Shenzhen.
There is no way of Buses can be efficient enough to move such nos of ppl through the border esp during the morning & evening rush.

Provide frequent shuttle train might help. The current service by KTM is just too minimum and more efforts need to be pumped in.

I gotta be more drastic to bring out people who would counter me. This is called healthy debate my friend. For all your defense of the new CIQ, fine! However, aren't you forgetting that the authorities are again reopening the old CIQ to facilitate people crossing on foot? That would mean the old structure would remain and the embarrassment of the country remains. So now, what is the point of the new CIQ if it cannot take away all the ills of the old CIQ? Wouldn't that make it a white elephant, at least on the part of pedestrians? You see the grand side of the new CIQ (which is the intent in the first place), and I never refute that. And of course you are driving and perhaps would "never understand the plight of the pedestrains". You seem to think that using tax-payer's money to build a flawed new CIQ and then spending more to renovate the old one is a very sensible thing to do. This is called great planning huh? Screw up and then spend more to patch up? Alas I never recall the phrase "serves no purpose at all" being used. The new CIQ does serve a purpose, but it could have been much much better.

Well said....All i can say is that the initial planning of this project was not done systematically,comprehensively and sad to say it was a total mess. .The problem with our JB government is that pride and glory seem to be their agenda in planning and constructing mega projects.Yes,they want their CIQ to be bigger and better in terms of technology and efficency than our neighbour's....But ..sigh...looks like our neighbour's is still 10x better than ours despite our present CIQ complex is new.I drove in to singapore last weekend and honestly,really excited as this is my firsttime using the brand new complex..Going in was well..,pretty smooth ...I was like...WOW,,,,this complex rocksz...I anticipated that perhaps driving in JB would be the same......BUT WHEN I DROVE out from singapore,my...it was hell!.The congestion was bloody horrible.Surprisingly ,singapore's woodlands checkpoint was way faster and more efficient considering the fact that before our JB's new CIQ complex was open to vehicles,the old JB checkpoint used to be faster and smoother than singapore!...And now..sad to say .it;s the opposite!...Just to let you know that i was stuck on the causeway for more than an hour~.Faces of fuming and disgruntled drivers in their vehicles could be seen.I strongly believe that this is indeed a waste of tax payers money.Now with the old 'third world' checkpoint to be reopen,i believe a greater number of pedestrians would prefer walking to singapore using the old checkpoint rather than using the new checkpoint ...In a nutshell,this is indeed a WHITE elephant...but,,i agree that ,,,there is a great potential to solve all this woes provided our government is willing to extend their hand ~

Well said....All i can say is that the initial planning of this project was not done systematically,comprehensively and sad to say it was a total mess. .The problem with our JB government is that pride and glory seem to be their agenda in planning and constructing mega projects.Yes,they want their CIQ to be bigger and better in terms of technology and efficency than our neighbour's....But ..sigh...looks like our neighbour's is still 10x better than ours despite our present CIQ complex is new.I drove in to singapore last weekend and honestly,really excited as this is my firsttime using the brand new complex..Going in was well..,pretty smooth ...I was like...WOW,,,,this complex rocksz...I anticipated that perhaps driving in JB would be the same......BUT WHEN I DROVE out from singapore,my...it was hell!.The congestion was bloody horrible.Surprisingly ,singapore's woodlands checkpoint was way faster and more efficient considering the fact that before our JB's new CIQ complex was open to vehicles,the old JB checkpoint used to be faster and smoother than singapore!...And now..sad to say .it;s the opposite!...Just to let you know that i was stuck on the causeway for more than an hour~.Faces of fuming and disgruntled drivers in their vehicles could be seen.I strongly believe that this is indeed a waste of tax payers money.Now with the old 'third world' checkpoint to be reopen,i believe a greater number of pedestrians would prefer walking to singapore using the old checkpoint rather than using the new checkpoint ...In a nutshell,this is indeed a WHITE elephant...but,,i agree that ,,,there is a great potential to solve all this woes provided our government is willing to extend their hand ~

as long as we have third world politicians in our government,every thing will remain as it is.i doubt so much malaysia will be a developed country in 2020.:ohno:

^^ you can stay in doubt and say things doesn't change
... or you get involve and help move this country to a better direction.

like jfk said "ask not what the country can do for you, but what you can do for your country..."

i've read in singapore forum (not in ssc), on how this new CIQ is way faster than the one in Woodland.... so it's the way opposite to those argument.:bash:

why our 'black elephant' is way faster than the new one?ok,for pedestrian and bus user... we just need to flash out malaysian passport to the immigration officer. as simple as that. that's why the operation is wayyyy.... fast, but how about the safety?

eh....is it true that the 'black elephant' is faster than this new elephant?back in the time where 'black elephant' is still in operation. Jln Tun Abdul Razak (in front of City Square) i always jammed packed... black fumes day and night. and now i can't even see any jammed in front of this new elephant. so, is this not good enough?

why our new elephant is not very fast? 1.... the proudly 'black elephant' admired by most of us is still there.... so the road is not clear yet. 2.... because of the crookbridge is cancelled. if you have use this CIQ, you may notice that there are unused lanes besides those 2 lanes. and these unused lanes can only used if the crook bridge is there....:cheers:

The old CIQ was an embarressment, it may have been was quicker than Singapore CIQ, because checks were not stringent, I prefer proper checks be carried out. In airports all over the world we have to put up with lines for security checks and this is important.

Hope the old CIQ structures gets removed asap and a pedestrian check point gets built. GB is one of the best things that has happened for JB, now hope that there is money for rail transit.

The old CIQ was an embarressment, it may have been was quicker than Singapore CIQ, because checks were not stringent, I prefer proper checks be carried out. In airports all over the world we have to put up with lines for security checks and this is important.
Do you know why they have security checks at airports? So people don't blow up airplanes. What are you going to blow up after passing through the CIQ, somebody's mamak stall? :bash:

Singapore and Malaysia were the same country until 1965. Security in Singapore is so tight that practically speaking, there's no real reason for Malaysia to worry about what or who is coming in from Singapore... but they have to do this stupid security theatre so they don't lose face. :bash:

The real solution to the CIQ mess is just to tear down everything on both sides and make Singaporean visas valid in Malaysia and Malaysian visas valid in Singapore. Problem solved!

1.of course we afraid that somebody will blow mamak stall. so many people in mamak stall to eat tosai and drink teh tarik what.

HK and China are separate country until 1997. but still after merge, HK have autonomy fo their economy and immigration. afterall, Malaysia and Singapore is no longer the same country, so it makes sense if we put CIQ at our border.

who said that security in Singapore is that tight? Mas Selamat can escape from Changi prison. so, i can doubt their security. what if MS passing through tambak johor and blow mamak stall at jln wong ah fook or persiaran meldrum?

just because tht country have sooo thight security, then we don't have to check people who coming in? why all international airport in all country still check passanger from Singapore? aren't they safe enough because they come from a very safe country with tight security?:ohno:

by tranthong963

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Mahu jambatan bengkok

Oleh AZIMI MUSTAPHA dan SAHLIZAH MOHAMED
berita@kosmo.com.my


http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0415/Kosmo/Negara/ne_02.1.jpg
GAMBARAN artis jambatan bengkok atau jambatan indah bagi menggantikan Tambak Johor.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0415/Kosmo/Negara/ne_02.2.jpg

KUALA LUMPUR - Dewan Perniagaan Melayu Malaysia (DPMM) semalam meminta agar kerajaan di bawah kepimpinan Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak menyambung semula projek jambatan bengkok bagi menggantikan Tambak Johor yang dibatalkan pada 2006.

Presidennya, Syed Ali Alattas berkata, rata-rata ahlinya di negeri itu mengadu kerana sejak pembukaan Kompleks Kastam, Imigresen dan Kuarantin (CIQ) pada November tahun lalu, perniagaan mereka merosot teruk.

"Pembatalan jambatan bengkok telah menyebabkan laluan ke dan dari Singapura tidak lagi melalui bandar raya Johor Bahru sebaliknya terus ke CIQ.

"Johor Bahru sekarang bagaikan bandar mati. Itulah pandangan usahawan khasnya usahawan kecil," katanya ketika ditemui di sini semalam.

Perundingan dan pelaksanaan pembinaan jambatan bengkok atau 'Jambatan Indah' itu diilhamkan Perdana Menteri ketika itu Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. Ia ekoran Singapura yang tidak memberikan keputusan muktamad untuk bekerjasama membina jambatan lurus menggantikan Tambak Johor.

Bagaimanapun pembinaan jambatan bengkok dibatalkan atas keputusan kerajaan semasa Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi menjadi Perdana Menteri.

Sementara itu di Johor Bahru, Pergerakan Pemuda UMNO Johor turut berpendapat perlunya kerajaan mengkaji semula projek jambatan bengkok kerana ia mampu merancakkan ekonomi negara, khususnya di Johor.

'Tiada kata putus sambung kerja jambatan bengkok'


SINGAPURA: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin berkata, kerajaan belum membuat sebarang keputusan sama ada untuk meneruskan semula pembinaan jambatan bengkok yang menghubungkan Johor Bahru dan Singapura.

"Sehingga kini, kita belum lagi membuat sebarang keputusan (sama ada untuk menyambung semula pembinaannya atau tidak," kata Timbalan Perdana Menteri selepas menyampaikan ucaptama dan menutup Forum Asean dan Asia Kedua, 'Risiko dan Peluang' di Meritus Mandarin Hotel di sini, semalam.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika ditanya pemberita sama ada pembinaan jambatan itu yang dibatalkan pada 2006 akan dilaksanakan semula.

Beberapa pihak di Johor, baru-baru ini, dilaporkan mahu supaya Malaysia meneruskan kembali pembinaan jambatan berkenaan.

Shahrir against crooked bridge, prefers better ties


JOHOR BARU: Johor Baru MP Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad is against the revival of the crooked bridge project and has instead proposed that both countries work together to build a straight one.

He said a straight bridge would be good for building better bilateral ties between both governments.

The Singapore Government has agreed on the development of iconic projects in Iskandar Malaysia.

“Why not build a straight bridge as one of the iconic projects?” he asked.

Shahrir added that a new straight bridge across the causeway would show renewed bond and would benefit both countries.

“It has come to my attention that many Johoreans are hopeful that our new prime minister and Cabinet will revive the crooked bridge project.

“The public must understand that bilateral ties between both countries will suffer if the project is revived,” he said, adding that the Malaysian Government should consider all implications when reviewing the project.

The Star had reported recently that many businesses have been suffering since the opening of the new CIQ complex last year and they were counting on the crooked bridge project to be revived to boost business in the city.

Shahrir was speaking to reporters at the launch of an anti-drug community service centre for residents of Taman Sri Stulang yesterday.

On the decision to open the old CIQ complex to pedestrians, Shahrir commended the Government and hoped that it would be implemented soon.

Jambatan bengkok wajar dibina – Shahrir
JOHOR BAHRU 19 April – Ahli Parlimen Johor Bahru, Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad berkata, jambatan bengkok menghubungkan Malaysia-Singapura wajar diteruskan.

Kata beliau, jambatan yang menghubungkan Tanjung Puteri di Johor dan Woodlands di Singapura itu boleh dilaksanakan dengan semangat setia kawan antara kedua-dua negara.

“Sebagaimana kita maklum kedua-dua Perdana Menteri telah mengadakan pertemuan empat mata di Pattaya, Thailand baru-baru ini dan isu perbincangan berkisar projek ikon ini dan saya yakin ia dibincangkan secara serius.

“Saya menaruh keyakinan Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak dan Lee Hsien Loong telah memperhalusi dan memikirkan secara terperinci berhubung projek ini demi kebaikan bersama,” katanya di sini hari ini.

Mengenai isu jambatan itu yang dibatalkan oleh bekas Perdana Menteri, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, beliau menjelaskan:

“Jika diamati kenyataan Perdana Menteri Singapura sebelum ini ada menyuarakan komitmennya berhubung projek yang dicetuskan oleh Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad dengan menyatakan kerajaan republik itu hanya bersedia turut sama terlibat dengan pembinaan jambatan itu selepas 2007.

“Ini membawa maksud ketika itu, Singapura telah siap bina Pusat Kastam, Imigresen dan Kuarantin (CIQ) baru yang menjadi pelengkap kepada jambatan baru bagi menggantikan Tambak Johor yang dibina pada 1924 itu,” jelasnya.

Shahrir berkata, pembinaan projek ikon itu juga boleh dijadikan asas kepada lambang penyertaan Singapura dalam pembangunan di Iskandar Malaysia.

Sementara itu di Raub, Dr. Mahathir ketika mengulas gesaan UMNO Johor Bahru berkata, kerajaan sepatutnya tidak menghentikan langsung pembinaan jambatan itu.


“Bohong, kalau kata rakyat Johor tidak mahu jambatan ini dibina,” katanya.

Bina jambatan lurus
JOHOR BAHRU 19 April - Satu keputusan tegas perlu diambil berhubung projek jambatan menggantikan Tambak Johor agar masyarakat tidak memandang negatif ke atas dasar kerajaan yang sentiasa berubah-ubah.

Ahli Parlimen Pulai, Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed berkata, melihat kepada senario semasa, kini merupakan waktu yang tepat bagi kerajaan mengadakan rundingan semula dengan Singapura bagi merealisasi sebuah jambatan baru yang lurus dan bukannya bengkok.

"Saya menyeru kepada kerajaan agar bertindak dengan tegas kerana pembinaan jambatan itu adalah satu keperluan untuk menyelesaikan masalah pengangkutan bagi kedua-dua negara.

"Ia juga boleh dilihat sebagai satu projek kerjasama antara Malaysia dan Singapura seperti yang diumumkan oleh Perdana Menteri baru-baru bahawa beliau telah mendapat persetujuan awal dengan Singapura akan terdapat beberapa projek ikon terutamanya di Iskandar Malaysia," katanya di sini, hari ini.

Beliau mengulas desakan ramai pihak agar kerajaan mengkaji semula projek Jambatan Bengkok yang pembinaannya dibatalkan pada 2006 kerana langkah itu boleh menimbul tanggapan negatif masyarakat ke atas dasar yang tidak tegas dan sentiasa berubah apabila bertukar kepimpinan.

Mengulas lanjut, Nur Jazlan berkata, rasional jambatan itu patut diluruskan kerana apa yang berlaku sekarang, laluan Tambak Johor ke Bangunan Sultan Iskandar yang berdasarkan projek jambatan bengkok tidak berkesan dan masih menimbulkan kesesakan.

Beliau berkata, bagi mengelakkan masalah itu terus berlaku, adalah lebih baik kerjaan mengadakan perundingan dengan Singapura agar dapat membina sebuah jambatan baru yang lurus dan dibiayai oleh kedua-dua pihak.

Katanya, jambatan lurus juga dijangka dapat mengatasi masalah pejalan kaki yang mungkin tidak dapat berbuat demikian apabila jambatan bengkok siap dibina kelak.

Syor bina jambatan lurus hubungi Singapura-Johor
Oleh Mohd Zin Ali dan Johan Afandi
bhnews@bharian.com.my

Projek boleh jadi mercu tanda wilayah Iskandar Malaysia

JOHOR BAHRU: Kerajaan Malaysia dan Singapura dicadangkan supaya membina jambatan baru yang lurus bagi menggantikan Tambak Johor sebagai satu daripada projek mercu tanda yang akan dilaksanakan dalam wilayah Iskandar Malaysia.

Ahli Parlimen Johor Bahru, Datuk Shahrir Samad, berkata apa yang dikehendaki penduduk di bandar raya ini ialah satu jambatan baru yang lurus dan bukannya jambatan bengkok yang sudah diputuskan Peguam Negara sebelum ini yang mempunyai implikasi undang-undang.



"Pada saya... sebagai wakil rakyat untuk bandar raya ini, apa lagi simbol yang boleh melambangkan kerjasama antara dua negara selain jambatan yang menghubungkan bandar raya ini dengan Singapura," katanya ketika ditemui selepas perasmian Pusat Khidmat Agensi Antidadah Kebangsaan (AADK) di Taman Sri Stulang, di sini semalam.

Hadir sama, Timbalan Ketua Pengarah AADK Malaysia, Prof Dr Mahmood Nazar Mohamed, Pengarah AADK Johor, Sidek Jaafar dan Yang Dipertua Persatuan Penduduk Taman Sri Stulang, Wan Muhammad Wan Jabek.

Akhbar baru-baru ini melaporkan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, mengumumkan Malaysia dan Singapura akan mengusahakan satu atau dua projek mercu tanda dalam wilayah Iskandar Malaysia di Johor sebagai lambang kerjasama kedua-dua negara.

Perdana Menteri berkata, perkara itu diutarakan ketika beliau menikmati jamuan tengah hari bersama rakan sejawatannya dari Singapura, Lee Hsien Loong pada Sidang Kemuncak Asean ke-14, di Pattaya, Thailand, Sabtu minggu lalu.

Selain itu, Shahrir berkata, bekas Perdana Menteri Singapura, Goh Chok Tong, pernah membuat kenyataan sebelum ini, republik itu hanya mempunyai peruntukan untuk membina Kompleks Kastam, Imigresen dan Kuarantin (KIK) yang baru selepas 2007.

"Kini sudah 2009... oleh itu, saya rasa mereka tiada masalah untuk membina KIK baru bagi mengatasi masalah kesesakan yang sering berlaku ketika ini serta membina jambatan baru," katanya.

Sementara itu, Ahli Parlimen Pulai, Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed turut bersetuju supaya kerajaan membina jambatan lurus bukannya, jambatan bengkok bagi menggantikan Tambak Johor kerana ia akan jelas memberikan gambaran baik terhadap hubungan dua hala kedua negara jiran itu.

"Daripada segi kos, sudah tentu jambatan lurus lebih baik daripada yang bengkok. Mengapa hendak buat yang bengkok...ia akan menimbulkan pelbagai persepsi dan tanggapan terhadap hubungan dua hala Malaysia-Singapura, terutama sekali dalam menghadapi situasi ekonomi tidak menentu," katanya.

Beliau berkata, Singapura sudah pasti mahu masalah kesesakan Tambak Johor yang boleh melambatkan perjalanan rakyatnya ke negara ini, selain urusan eksport berjalan dengan lebih lancar dan ia boleh diatasi dengan pembinaan jambatan lurus.

hmm.

since najib razak took over, there are many quarters who bring this issue up again and wants the causeway to be replaced. however, there are two personalities who are against the crooked bridge and prefer a straight bridge instead. this two are shahrir samad and nur jazlan.

however, bear in mind that the government during DrM era has already made negotiations between himself and goh chok tong. after several meetings and letters between two government, it conclude that singapore did not agree with a full bridge, but have no rejection if malaysia wants to build the bridge on its own territorial borders, hence the crooked bridge.

and so the construction of a half crooked bridge is agreed. however, when DrM steps down and pak lah took over the countries realm, new negotiations for a straight bridge took place. after several round of golf between two leaders, again, a full bridge is not materialized. the agreement was, in order for a full bridge to be constructed, several million cubic meter of sand must be sold to singapore, and malaysian air space is open for singapore military aircraft. pak lah then completely scrap the bridge plan totally. he even scrap the plan for a half crooked bridge, within malaysian territory.

i hope that najib consider the proposal for a half bridge and not make fresh negotiations for a full bridge since it has already been made twice before and twice rejected. however, i would like to know, what is the technical problems which may arise. because when the crooked bridge or full bridge plan does not materialized, the CIQ planning and architecture has to make amendments to cater for the existing causeway. i was made to understand that there would not be any technical issues since there are already piling being made for the half bridge. i am also sure that there wont be any legal matters too since the half bridge will be constructed within our own border.

by ilonita50
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By anthony@sg's

^^ Went to JB few weeks ago, and have paid special attention to the new CIQ complex.

My opinions on the building -
1. Interior is excellent, exterior is great too.
2. Huge! Even bigger than KL Sentral transport hub.
3. Night lighting is wah piang - disco-liked! Colour scheme tak boleh (green + purple) Can't they use more classy colour schemes for lighting?
4. The winding two-lanes detour for cars is a no-no (buses and cars fighting for the two lanes??). Pening kepala. The new bridge MUST BE BUILT!
5. The walk to City Square is quite pleasant considering it's sheltered all the way.

i hope that najib consider the proposal for a half bridge and not make fresh negotiations for a full bridge since it has already been made twice before and twice rejected. however, i would like to know, what is the technical problems which may arise. because when the crooked bridge or full bridge plan does not materialized, the CIQ planning and architecture has to make amendments to cater for the existing causeway.

guess you dont really understood why the bridge is crooked for reason. our side is complaining the thin channel is polluted because of water flow restriction. n some parties want the mid range ships to pass the strait, so that ship can dock straight at the danga bay and our ports. hence, the bridge has to be elevated enuf for ships 3 to 4 storey high pass thru and opening up the straits. however, both reasonings r laughable and impractical.

planning a steep bridge in a short distance is a foolish idea from the point of pedestrian view. you ll be asking thousands commuter to walk over a mountain just to cross. this is why you read in news recently taxi drivers bow-wow they wanted the crooked bridge so much, for a simple reason behind, more people ll transit by taxis then. some propose a travelator, but whose want to pay for running? malaysian taxpayers or commuters, u decide.

as for ship to pass, what kind do they allow to pass. sail boat, sampan, fishermen boat, low rise cargo ships are no problem to narrow channel. but for cargo ships even it can pass thru, they ll have second look to do so. they hv to gamble by paying bigger insurance premium because there is greater chance of hitting the piers or misnavigate in a narrow channel compare to open strait.

besides the bridge issue, you may have overlooked the current rail and water pipeline issue. how ll the opposite side react if you cut the supply fully or partially and stop the train for few days or weeks for the purpose of physical connection work to the singapore sides? economic losses ll hit and next thing, the singapore govt ll filed for millions dollar compensation.

guess you dont really understood why the bridge is crooked for reason. our side is complaining the thin channel is polluted because of water flow restriction. n some parties want the mid range ships to pass the strait, so that ship can dock straight at the danga bay and our ports. hence, the bridge has to be elevated enuf for ships 3 to 4 storey high pass thru and opening up the straits. however, both reasonings r laughable and impractical.

planning a steep bridge in a short distance is a foolish idea from the point of pedestrian view. you ll be asking thousands commuter to walk over a mountain just to cross. this is why you read in news recently taxi drivers bow-wow they wanted the crooked bridge so much, for a simple reason behind, more people ll transit by taxis then. some propose a travelator, but whose want to pay for running? malaysian taxpayers or commuters, u decide.

as for ship to pass, what kind do they allow to pass. sail boat, sampan, fishermen boat, low rise cargo ships are no problem to narrow channel. but for cargo ships even it can pass thru, they ll have second look to do so. they hv to gamble by paying bigger insurance premium because there is greater chance of hitting the piers or misnavigate in a narrow channel compare to open strait.

besides the bridge issue, you may have overlooked the current rail and water pipeline issue. how ll the opposite side react if you cut the supply fully or partially and stop the train for few days or weeks for the purpose of physical connection work to the singapore sides? economic losses ll hit and next thing, the singapore govt ll filed for millions dollar compensation.

u should see the straits by ur own eyes. it's real bad and we need to let the water flow from both side naturally. just think that u never flush ur toilet for a day. will it be stink? then now, think that straits never flush up for 80 years because the tambak johor blocked water from flowing to the other side. u may need to see the part of selat johor at stulang laut part, after rain.

water pipeline i'm sure i've read that mahathir mention about singapore already moved the pipeline on the land part (on johor bahru) to give way for new lane to new CIQ. so, if they can moved the pipeline on the land part so why can't the tambak johor part also? i don't think that our gov is that idiot to cut water sources and ktm track for few weeks just to give way for new bridge to be built.

current double tracking never disturb the train from passing through. so why made the ktm tambak johor stretch so complicated to be move a little bit? oh.... syabas has been change it's water pipeline in klang valley. but then, i never know that there is water shortage for few weeks just to give way for changing water pipeline. maybe it's 1 day without water.... and that's all. don't forget that singapore also have reservoir besides our fresh water supply.

planning a steep bridge in a short distance is a foolish idea from the point of pedestrian view. you ll be asking thousands commuter to walk over a mountain just to cross. this is why you read in news recently taxi drivers bow-wow they wanted the crooked bridge so much, for a simple reason behind, more people ll transit by taxis then. some propose a travelator, but whose want to pay for running? malaysian taxpayers or commuters, u decide.

What about incorporating additional pedestrian facilities with the swing rail bridge?

Btw, would you know how many pure pedestrians use the existing causeway (not including bus passengers)?

u should see the straits by ur own eyes. it's real bad and we need to let the water flow from both side naturally. just think that u never flush ur toilet for a day. will it be stink? then now, think that straits never flush up for 80 years because the tambak johor blocked water from flowing to the other side. u may need to see the part of selat johor at stulang laut part, after rain..

so u r telling the river sewage should be taken out into the sea as a giant septic tank? in that case, it works the same as old-fashioned toilet on the riverbnk. your case highlights a weak rapport because if we r harping on environmntal cause for causeway removal, then singapore ll ask hv we pour any significance effort to reduce the pollution sources from the johor part? perhaps the opposite side quickly avoid from turning the question back to them, they decided to dig deep sewer tunnel and channel all the effluent sources from kranji and senoko wasteplants into the changi treatment plant, before releasing out into the singapore straits. That’s a massive environmental effort, compare to our loudhailer efforts you often heard in news.



water pipeline i'm sure i've read that mahathir mention about singapore already moved the pipeline on the land part (on johor bahru) to give way for new lane to new CIQ. so, if they can moved the pipeline on the land part so why can't the tambak johor part also? i don't think that our gov is that idiot to cut water sources and ktm track for few weeks just to give way for new bridge to be built...

by nature we r not idiot but have to act idiot because we r proposing impractical solution. the land part and the water part are 2 different entities agreed by both side long before the internet was born. singapore made consent to allow relocation of land pipeline in the condition that we r facilitating for the new CIQ related work, not for the causeway. if you r planning to relocate the water part, then you r dealing with causeway issue, which is the bilateral stuff that’s strain the two sides. since there ll be a new connection to existing pipeline on singapore side, you have no choice but to cut the supply, reconnect and run commissioning test before it is all clear. And it may take weeks or few days if the two brothers are on a good term working, achieving it. What if the singapore rejects the connection or the system because our contractor fails to meet the requirement? perhaps u don realized singapore owns and manage the pipeline from johor reservoirs down to singapore, and that’s mean they hv the obligation right to final endorse the connection work. It is much more complicated than you r talking about syabas case, which is carried out purely domestic by itself.

What about incorporating additional pedestrian facilities with the swing rail bridge?

Btw, would you know how many pure pedestrians use the existing causeway (not including bus passengers)?


i think its better for now for KTM to provide a commuting train between the 2 CIQ, like the aerotrain in KLIA.simple and cheap temporary solution as no need for any additional infra to be built.

What about incorporating additional pedestrian facilities with the swing rail bridge?

Btw, would you know how many pure pedestrians use the existing causeway (not including bus passengers)?

my thought felt this is a good idea if the river traffic condition is presumably light. had the traffic is heavy, there ll be a bottleneck because too much disruption to the high volume of freeflow crossing. understandably, we r dealing with a daily crowd enuf to fill stadium merdeka.

consider the required time of closing the bridge, swing, passing of ship and swing back, it may takes anywhere around 10 – 15 minutes per operation. This does not take account how many ships pass in a single trip, and the varies time to disperse the walkers in a bridge span of approx. 150m long. also noted that the swing bridge pivot is at the river bank, which means longer time to swing as the weight is signficantly increase compare to pivot at the centre of the channel. besides, the train services which include daily shuttle trips and freight trips reduce the time allocation for ship to pass. As river traffic is difficult to coordinate the timing of ships to arrive, you either have ships hold up during crossing peak hours or to allow the ship the rights of crossing first. how do you see on these?

my thought felt this is a good idea if the river traffic condition is presumably light. had the traffic is heavy, there ll be a bottleneck because too much disruption to the high volume of freeflow crossing. understandably, we r dealing with a daily crowd enuf to fill stadium merdeka.

consider the required time of closing the bridge, swing, passing of ship and swing back, it may takes anywhere around 10 – 15 minutes per operation. This does not take account how many ships pass in a single trip, and the varies time to disperse the walkers in a bridge span of approx. 150m long. also noted that the swing bridge pivot is at the river bank, which means longer time to swing as the weight is signficantly increase compare to pivot at the centre of the channel. besides, the train services which include daily shuttle trips and freight trips reduce the time allocation for ship to pass. As river traffic is difficult to coordinate the timing of ships to arrive, you either have ships hold up during crossing peak hours or to allow the ship the rights of crossing first. how do you see on these?

I think it could be managed efficiently using available technology– with priority given to commuting traffic in peak periods. But like other transport services, pedestrians would now need to follow a schedule. The need for this could be reduced further if a mass transit link is provided.

Of course, a curved bridge should only be considered if our loving neigbour refuses to accept the original straight bridge. As far as possible, JB should not be left deprived of a natural asset at the expense of past colonialist interests.

so u r telling the river sewage should be taken out into the sea as a giant septic tank? in that case, it works the same as old-fashioned toilet on the riverbnk. your case highlights a weak rapport because if we r harping on environmntal cause for causeway removal, then singapore ll ask hv we pour any significance effort to reduce the pollution sources from the johor part? perhaps the opposite side quickly avoid from turning the question back to them, they decided to dig deep sewer tunnel and channel all the effluent sources from kranji and senoko wasteplants into the changi treatment plant, before releasing out into the singapore straits. That’s a massive environmental effort, compare to our loudhailer efforts you often heard in news.

don't u know to differentiate between analogy? i'm using toilet as analogy la celebrity. hello.....i'm talking about to let the straits flow, naturally.

and for ur information, changi area is coast area. so SIN also release their sewage to open sea, bigger water sewage. similar to old fashion riverbank? wrong. the old river is blocked for 80 years by the cheap engineering tambak johor. the open sea? it's open.... singapore river? tell me what tambak is blocking them from the open sea?

people walking on tambak johor because of the massive traffic jam. if we can provide enough lanes for vehicles (hint, new bridge,more lanes), so there's no need for people to commute from singapore to johor by walking anymore. the pedestrian walk should be no problem.

^^ i wonder why they didn't think of segmental bridge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Segmental_bridge).

it's something like the subang-kelana link (http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/9/8/central/1952945&sec=central)

correct me if i'm wrong, but vehicles currently which are currently going to singapore are exiting from a 2-3 story high ramp in gerbang perdana to sea level at tambak johor. since distance between tambak johor and gerbang perdana is 300-400 meters and the current causeway is around 1000m, you can easily build a bridge which can allow a 4-5 story high ship to pass.

To build or not to build...
FOR the past two weeks or so, I have been reading articles calling for the revival of the crooked bridge project. It was first mooted by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad some five years ago.

http://www.nst.com.my/JohorBuzz/Monday/MyJohor/2540694/insidepix1?display=small
The RM750 million Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex was built with the ‘new’ bridge in mind.

http://www.nst.com.my/JohorBuzz/Monday/MyJohor/2540694/insidepix2?display=small
Traffic on the 85-year-old Causeway is reduced to a crawl on public holidays and during the weekends.

The project, which was stonewalled by the previous administration, was to replace the 85-year-old Causeway. Governor Sir Laurence Guillemard opened the 1,056m bridge, which had taken five years to build at a cost of $17 million, on June 28, 1924.



Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who took office last month, has been asked to review the previous administration's decision on the project.




One has to acknowledge that the existing Causeway is far too narrow to accommodate the current traffic flow. During weekends and on public holidays, it is plagued by traffic jams. On a normal day, some 60,000 vehicles passed through the Causeway.



Furthermore, we already have on our side the new RM750 million Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex, which was built to cater to a new bridge to Singapore.



"What's the point of having the latest Customs checkpoint when we are using the old Causeway?" a friend commented on Facebook when I posed the question.



When I went to Singapore recently by cab, I had to pass through the new CIQ. The taxi driver complained incessantly about having to drive in circles through the old checkpoint up to the new CIQ.



He said the drive to the CIQ could be different if there was a new bridge.



Dr Mahathir's proposed bridge would also allow water to flow freely under it, making the waters of the Tebrau Straits much cleaner but not necessary enough to bathe in.



None of my grandnieces and grandnephews believed me when I told them we could actually bathe at Lido Beach (yes, some of us Johoreans still refer to it as Lido Beach instead of its new name -- Danga Bay) back in the 1970s when my brothers and I used to take dips there to cool ourselves on hot days.



Most Johoreans I asked want the project to be resurrected in whatever form, either crooked or straight. Some allowed their emotions to cloud their opinions.



An Umno Johor leader I spoke to is also for the resurrection of the bridge project, provided it does not jeopardise our national security or having us to sell our national interests.



He also pointed out that there are certain factors that needed to be taken into consideration before one pushes for a decision to revive the project.



"Being responsible citizens, we have to put aside our emotions and look at its viability based on the current economic situation," said the Umno leader.



"Dr Mahathir suggested it just over five years ago when the prices of construction material were low. Today, it has shot up several folds and we haven't even reflected on the compensation paid out, claimed to have run into millions of ringgit paid in three installments to the company concerned.



"We'll also have to look at the opportunity cost for reviving this project, and re-evaluate as to who really benefits from it in tandem with the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's call for 'People First, Performance Now'.



"I'd think whatever decision he makes would be carefully thought through for the benefit of the people of this great nation.

"It would be unfair for us to make demands on him if the resources in his hands are limited. We should present our suggestions and leave it to his good office to decide."

^^ i wonder why they didn't think of segmental bridge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Segmental_bridge).

it's something like the subang-kelana link (http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/9/8/central/1952945&sec=central)

correct me if i'm wrong, but vehicles currently which are currently going to singapore are exiting from a 2-3 story high ramp in gerbang perdana to sea level at tambak johor. since distance between tambak johor and gerbang perdana is 300-400 meters and the current causeway is around 1000m, you can easily build a bridge which can allow a 4-5 story high ship to pass.

it's 5 storey.... and on a hill named bukit chagar.

I think it could be managed efficiently using available technology– with priority given to commuting traffic in peak periods. But like other transport services, pedestrians would now need to follow a schedule. The need for this could be reduced further if a mass transit link is provided.

if the two sides still unreachable to a concluded mutual decision, whatever solutions ll remain a half build to nowhere solution. one side is too demanding, another is threatening with a crooked idea.

people walking on tambak johor because of the massive traffic jam. if we can provide enough lanes for vehicles (hint, new bridge,more lanes), so there's no need for people to commute from singapore to johor by walking anymore. the pedestrian walk should be no problem.

well even through we could provide enough lane (6-8 lanes) it will not solve the problem of congestion as it will link to eventually to singapore 4 lanes segments midways. so a half bridge does not solve the traffic problem nor does it make it easy for a ship to pass through underneath...

like it or not, we will never succeed to pujuk our lovely neighbor. so lets just destroy the couseway and turn the CIQ into a shopping mall.

don't u know to differentiate between analogy? i'm using toilet as analogy la celebrity. hello.....i'm talking about to let the straits flow, naturally.

and for ur information, changi area is coast area. so SIN also release their sewage to open sea, bigger water sewage. similar to old fashion riverbank? wrong. the old river is blocked for 80 years by the cheap engineering tambak johor. the open sea? it's open.... singapore river? tell me what tambak is blocking them from the open sea?

i dont have to be so smart to even know that changi is a coast area or some analogies you have just recently learned. these does not change my explanation to your flaw understanding of sewage stuffs. if you want to fit in the subject, must i questioning you here that Do you even have a slightest idea what is a sewage treatment plant do, before you lash out a dumb thought of neigbour putting up a multi billions sewage treatment plant next to the sea, and yet releasing sewage into the sea? whats exactly sense r u talking here?

u know which part of congestion our gov wants to solve by their idea of crooke bridge, new CIQ? it's on malaysia part. not on singapore part as for singapore part, it's their responsibility to solve it by themselves. i think their new CIQ is quite far (mybe 100 meter from tambak johor).... so that they can provide more lanes towards their CIQ from the narrow tambak johor.

so, this new bridge new CIQ is to provide more lanes so embarkation/disembarkation can be done quickly. as u can see the new CIQ located quite far from the tambak johor. it's the same reason with singapore to provide more lanes but we build it on a hill instead of the same level as the tambak johor.

i know it's hard to persuade our neighbour as their northern part is not their CBD. but still, our gov have the responsibilities towards us to solve this problem. CIQ operation in a good mode now. i can say it's at par with singapore and i'm sure i don't want the old CIQ nor the tambak johor anymore.

oh, the new nusajaya and kota iskandar located near second link. i hope more people will use the second link. it's full 6 lanes bridge.

i dont have to be so smart to even know that changi is a coast area or some analogies you have just recently learned. these does not change my explanation to your flaw understanding of sewage stuffs. if you want to fit in the subject, must i questioning you here that Do you even have a slightest idea what is a sewage treatment plant do, before you lash out a dumb thought of neigbour putting up a multi billions sewage treatment plant next to the sea, and yet releasing sewage into the sea? whats exactly sense r u talking here?

u don't have to explain. i just want straits johor to be more cleaner. even if i have slightest idea or have no idea at all about the water sewage....it doesn't mean that i don't know that tambak johor is blocking water at straits johor to flow naturally to both sides. enough about water sewage... i just using it as ANALOGY sayang.

blame singaporean who teach me about this analogy if u're still not satisfy. hey u're a KL people. if u're so brilliant enough... y don't u suggest something to do with our tambak and CIQ on how to improve their operation etc, rather than bashing here and there. complaining about everything. i'm more than pleasure if u're telling something that benefited to us johorian on how to solve our massive congestion, how to solve the ecological problem at straits johor. and 1 more thing, no more water sewage thing. yucks.:bash:

u don't have to explain. i just want straits johor to be more cleaner. even if i have slightest idea or have no idea at all about the water sewage....it doesn't mean that i don't know that tambak johor is blocking water at straits johor to flow naturally to both sides. enough about water sewage... i just using it as ANALOGY sayang.

blame singaporean who teach me about this analogy if u're still not satisfy. hey u're a KL people. if u're so brilliant enough... y don't u suggest something to do with our tambak and CIQ on how to improve their operation etc, rather than bashing here and there. complaining about everything. i'm more than pleasure if u're telling something that benefited to us johorian on how to solve our massive congestion, how to solve the ecological problem at straits johor. and 1 more thing, no more water sewage thing. yucks.:bash:

??? U r now in my list of dumber, the dumbest nonsense talkers here.



Back to topic.

^^ i wonder why they didn't think of segmental bridge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Segmental_bridge).

it's something like the subang-kelana link (http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/9/8/central/1952945&sec=central)

correct me if i'm wrong, but vehicles currently which are currently going to singapore are exiting from a 2-3 story high ramp in gerbang perdana to sea level at tambak johor. since distance between tambak johor and gerbang perdana is 300-400 meters and the current causeway is around 1000m, you can easily build a bridge which can allow a 4-5 story high ship to pass.

ervin, the segmental bridge is one type of construction method a bridge can be done. however is, the height is still dictacted by how long the portion of our bridge span is. you can build a 5 storey or higher bridge but when it connects to singapore portion, a rollercoaster ride ensure. another thing we used to overlook, the rail track. if we allow the track to rise 5 stories before rolling over to the causeway level, the train ll haul drenchesly upward and dangerous. imagine a freight train haul up in midair. it wont work. the only solution is build straight over the river because of longer span made possible.

wow... but if i'm in ur dumber list, so u're dumber than me because u're quoting my word. haha....

i'm giving the real situation of the selat tebrau, tambak johor and CIQ. if don't like me, i don't care. but u're insulting me. WTF?

and if u're brilliant enough, oh no...u're not. FYI train is not coming out from the 5 storey CIQ complex. it's from JB sentral which is at the same level as the existing tambak johor.nobody has ever want to put the rail track on the 5 storey crooke bridge. it won't be on that bridge. their idea is the swing bridge for the train. so for sure no rollercoaster ride.

i'm giving the real situation of the selat tebrau, tambak johor and CIQ. if don't like me, i don't care. but u're insulting me. WTF?

and if u're brilliant enough, oh no...u're not. FYI train is not coming out from the 5 storey CIQ complex. it's from JB sentral which is at the same level as the existing tambak johor.nobody has ever want to put the rail track on the 5 storey crooke bridge. it won't be on that bridge. their idea is the swing bridge for the train. so for sure no rollercoaster ride.

^^ Im talking about scenarios for a given situation, r you such a fool to get it? And Argory already mentioned out on swing bridge, no need such "FYI" or telling us you r all the way from johor, telling common factuals like a kindergarden teacher.




wow... but if i'm in ur dumber list, so u're dumber than me because u're quoting my word. haha....

since you really admitted, I ll tell you how u made it in my list of dumber, the dumbest in the forum. Usually i ll ignore these jerks thereafter.

My observation of dumber is like when..

1. someone is talking A, you talk B.
2. someone is discussing, you think complaining.
3. someone is explaining, you think this insult your intelligence.
4. someone is exchanging views, you think clashing of opinions.
5. someone is exploring possible scenarios, you think evil intention.
6. someone is referring to straight, you still think crook.
7. someone is suggesting, you think lecturing.
8. someone is refuting you, you think arguing.
9. someone want more inputs, you ask for halt. Be clear that this is not a discussion between u and me only, mr. Greenhorn! Everybody input is matter.
10. And finally, someone is questioning you, you just walkout and telling like jerk... “I dont hv to explain, I want this, that is, I want this. I know what im talking. No more talk!” It is like suggesting you r shooting with empty bullet around. Consequence, people ll shoot you from point blank.

Crooked bridge project should be revived, says group


KUALA LUMPUR: The crooked bridge project to replace the Cause*way should be revived for the convenience of travellers, the Former Malaysian Customs Officers Association (Perbekas) said.

Perbekas urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to carry out the project, which was cancelled three years ago.

Travelling will be smoother and faster. From an economic perspective, it will also provide customer satisfaction to those crossing the straits, said Perbekas patron Tan Sri Abdul Halil Abd Mutalib.

He said this when asked to comment on the shelved project during the opening of the Perbekas office in Pandan Indah here yesterday.

He added that with the crooked bridge, Customs officers stationed at the border would also be able reduce smuggling activities.

Items may be easily smuggled in and out of the country because people can take advantage of heavy traffic and sneak past the officers, said Abdul Halil, a former Customs director-general.

But with the crooked bridge easing facilitating traffic flow, checks could be conducted more effectively, he added.

Perbekas president Datuk Abd Rahman Manan said the association would also welcome a straight bridge, but it must be built as soon as possible to alleviate traffic congestion.

Crooked bridge project should be revived, says group


KUALA LUMPUR: The crooked bridge project to replace the Cause*way should be revived for the convenience of travellers, the Former Malaysian Customs Officers Association (Perbekas) said.

Perbekas urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to carry out the project, which was cancelled three years ago.

Travelling will be smoother and faster. From an economic perspective, it will also provide customer satisfaction to those crossing the straits, said Perbekas patron Tan Sri Abdul Halil Abd Mutalib.

He said this when asked to comment on the shelved project during the opening of the Perbekas office in Pandan Indah here yesterday.

He added that with the crooked bridge, Customs officers stationed at the border would also be able reduce smuggling activities.

Items may be easily smuggled in and out of the country because people can take advantage of heavy traffic and sneak past the officers, said Abdul Halil, a former Customs director-general.

But with the crooked bridge easing facilitating traffic flow, checks could be conducted more effectively, he added.

Perbekas president Datuk Abd Rahman Manan said the association would also welcome a straight bridge, but it must be built as soon as possible to alleviate traffic congestion.

Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu development
gsb.jkr.gov.my/
by tanchoonheong
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tanchoonheong/3490826967/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3357/3490826967_0c7b79e7ef_b.jpg

Peniaga tidak sabar tunggu CIQ buka semula
JOHOR BAHRU 6 Mei - Para peniaga di sekitar Jalan Meldrum dan Jalan Wong Ah Fook sudah tidak sabar menunggu pembukaan semula lorong pejalan kaki di Kompleks Kastam, Imigresen dan Kuarantin (CIQ) yang lama di Tanjung Puteri di sini.

Mereka berharap pembukaan semula lorong pejalan kaki akan kembali menyemarakkan perniagaan yang semakin suram sejak penutupan CIQ lama di Tanjung Puteri.

Yap Chai Hong, 20, berkata, sejak orang ramai tidak lagi menggunakan laluan tersebut, pelanggan yang singgah di kedai-kedai di kawasan berkenaan amat berkurangan.

Sebelum ini, menurut peniaga barangan telekomunikasi itu, setiap kali waktu tengah hari atau petang (balik kerja) kedainya sering menjadi tumpuan orang ramai.

"Dulu ramai yang singgah membeli kad prabayar sebelum mereka ke lorong pejalan kaki. Sekarang ini amat kurang pelanggan.

"Bila tanya, mereka kata penatlah nak datang ke kedai saya sebab hentian bas jauh. Disebabkan itu bisnes kurang 50 peratus berbanding dulu," katanya yang membuka kedai hingga pukul dua pagi.

Seorang peniaga surat khabar dan majalah, Abdul Kader Mohd. Maidin, 40, yang berniaga di sekitar jalan tersebut sejak 1985 berkata, penutupan lorong pejalan kaki memberi impak besar kepada para peniaga di situ.

Menurutnya, jika dulu kedainya sentiasa dipenuhi pelanggan yang membeli majalah, akhbar atau makanan ringan untuk bekalan semasa perjalanan ke Singapura atau sebaliknya.

Kini, dia hanya bergantung kepada kehadiran para penuntut sebuah kolej berhampiran selain orang ramai yang sesekali datang membeli barangan di kedainya.

"Nak lihat pelanggan yang sama datang dua tiga kali dalam seminggu memang susah sebab mereka tunggu bas pun dekat City Square sana.

"Bila kehadiran pelanggan tidak seperti dulu, saya juga terpaksa mengurangkan pengambilan majalah dan akhbar," katanya.

Sementara itu, Rosminah Affar, 17, yang bekerja sebagai juruwang di Meldrum Walk Cafe berkata, walaupun kafe itu sering dikunjungi namun jumlah pelanggan turut berkurangan.

Katanya, dulu pekerja kafe tersebut sentiasa sibuk melayan pelanggan tanpa mengira waktu, namun kini tidak lagi.

"Pelanggan memang sering datang dan pergi tanpa mengira waktu tapi jumlahnya berkurangan daripada dulu. Harap cepatlah lorong pejalan kaki itu dibuka semula," katanya.

Have luxury ferry service at the causeway


THE aborted and contentious crooked bridge proposal linking Malaysia-Singapore has resurfaced.

The latest call came from the former Malaysian Customs Officers Association (Peberkas) which wanted the shelved project to be revived for smooth and faster travel.

It wanted a straight bridge to be built if the crooked bridge is not feasible.

May I suggest a cheaper alternative.

Introduce a luxury ferry service plying the two nations.

The ferries should be double-decker with the bottom for cars and top deck for passengers, similar to the ferry service linking Hyannis Port, Cape Cod to Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, United States.

The top deck must be replete with snack bars and deck chairs for passengers to enjoy the balming sea breeze.

Costs of commissioning the ferries must be borne by both governments. Profits are to be shared equally. I am sure it will be a boon for tourism.

Most families I know choose the ferry instead of the the bridge when they visit Penang.

IDZAN ISMAIL,

Petaling Jaya.

Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu development
gsb.jkr.gov.my/
by tanchoonheong
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tanchoonheong/3490826967/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3357/3490826967_0c7b79e7ef_b.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/77/Johor-Singapore_Causeway.JPG/800px-Johor-Singapore_Causeway.JPG

Johor bridge poser
By FARIK ZOLKEPLI


PONTIAN: A decision may be reached soon on the possibility of continuing a new bridge project to replace the causeway.

Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said the Federal Government would have the final say on this.

“It depends on the agreements between Malaysia and Singapore. We have to wait for developments raised between the two countries,” he told pressmen after launching the Malakoff Mangrove Initiative in Tanjung Bin near here.

Abdul Ghani said he would join Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his delegates at bilateral talks in Singapore next week.

Asked whether the bridge issue would be discussed, the Mentri Besar said: “I don’t know.”

He said that many quarters including the Johor Baru Umno Youth wing had urged the Government to resume the project as it would bring economic gains.

Abdul Ghani also said that the state was looking at using islands east of Tanjung Piai as wave breakers to preserve the Ramsar mangrove site there.

“This is among the possibilities as the site is experiencing soil erosion due to big waves from ships.

“Past efforts of building barriers have failed,” he said, adding that the state working on a mechanism to use the islands.

He said the other Ramsar sites in Johor were Pulau Kukup, Tanjung Bin and Sungai Johor.

On the human-trafficking tragedies in Pengerang that claimed the lives of several Pakistanis and Indonesians, Abdul Ghani said he had urged enforcement agencies such as the marine police and Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency to tighten security.

“We want to avoid such tragedies. I hope the masterminds of the syndicates will be caught soon,” he said.

by Stanley

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/2227/22122008001.jpg

CIQ cabbies cry foul over swiping of passengers
By AUSTIN CAMOENS


JOHOR BARU: The newly opened Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex has become a haunt for illegal taxi operators or kereta sapu.

The kereta sapu drivers loiter along the walkways and corridors of the complex trying to find passengers, mostly foreigners.

They ask for between RM20 and RM30 for a short drive to popular places within the city.

United Taxi Association of Johor Baru (Gapet) president Raja Mohd Nor Mohamad said the kereta sapu operators were affecting the livelihood of licensed taxi drivers in the city.

Raja Mohd Nor hoped enforcement agencies would come down hard on the illegal cabbies, who were becoming a nuisance.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/6/11/nation/n_pg33sapu.jpg
Business poached: A ‘kereta sapu’ operator (inset) openly touting for customers at the CIQ complex entrance while a long line of taxis queue up at the taxi rank for passengers.

They should not just rely on undercover operations or their regular rounds to detect and nab such people, he said, adding that the association was willing to provide information on such activities.

Taxi driver Abd Rahman Musa, 38, said illegal cabbies were hurting business.

“Sometimes, there are up to 10 of them canvassing for passengers as soon as they exit the complex,” he said.

“Besides the CIQ complex, they are also at the Larkin Bus Terminal and the duty free zone,” he said.

Another taxi driver, Mohd Hisham, said he was forced to work from 7am to midnight just to make a profit of RM80 a day.

“Most of the taxi drivers are afraid to talk about this issue because they fear retaliation,” he said.

A businessman who only wanted to be known as Chong said he felt that it was better to take a taxi instead of kereta sapu.

“They charge such exorbitant prices compared to licensed taxis,” he said.

Road Transport Department assistant enforcement director Mohd Fadhil Hassan confirmed the existence of illegal taxi drivers at the CIQ.

“We have caught five of them since January,” he said, adding that plainclothes officers had been stationed at the CIQ to gather more information.

Mohd Fadhil said offenders face a maximum fine of RM10,000 or one-year imprisonment if found guilty.

Dr M wants Najib to use 'crooked bridge' as bargaining chip
Friday June 26 2009 By Leslie Lau

KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has stepped up his campaign to revive the idea of a crooked bridge to replace the Johore Causeway connecting Malaysia with Singapore, by calling on the government to once again use it as leverage in resolving outstanding bilateral issues with the republic.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has come under considerable pressure since he proposed a third bridge to connect the two countries earlier this month, instead of reviving Dr Mahathir’s scenic bridge proposal to replace the Malaysian portion of the Causeway.

But a number of Umno politicians have already objected to the third bridge, especially since it is likely that Singapore would want Johor to lift its ban on the sale of sand to the republic before agreeing to it.

Last week the Johore Sultan also rejected the third bridge proposal.

Writing in his blog today, Dr Mahathir said that since Singapore would only agree to a straight bridge to replace the Causeway if the ban on selling sand was lifted and that considering Johoreans were against the sale, the government’s only option was to build the crooked bridge.

“This is the sovereign right of an independent nation,” said Dr Mahathir.

The crooked bridge was the brainchild of Dr Mahathir before he left office in 2003.

His administration had decided to unilaterally build a crooked bridge and demolish the Malaysian portion of the Causeway.

But in 2006 his successor Tun Abdullah Badawi’s government decided to scrap the plan, leading to the souring of ties between the two men.

Dr Mahathir began an intense political campaign against Tun Abdullah and eventually left Umno last year, returning to the party only recently when Najib took office.

But Najib is now beginning to come under pressure from Dr Mahathir even though the latter has not openly criticised the current administration yet.

The former PM continued to single out Abdullah for blame in his blog entry today.

“Tun Abdullah decided not only to not build the bridge but to stop negotiating over all the other issues,” he wrote.

Dr Mahathir cited the package of outstanding bilateral issues, including Singapore’s refusal to release CPF contributions to Malaysians, the railway land issue and the low rate in which the island republic pays for water from Malaysia.

“All these issues are in Singapore’s favour and not negotiating better terms because the Johore people refuse to sell sand is like cutting one’s nose to spite one’s face.

“We are the losers. I think it is a very stupid way of punishing Singapore.”

Last week, Najib said no firm decision had been made yet on whether to go ahead with the proposed third bridge.

Ghani: Cut toll at Second Link







TOLL at the Second Link expressway should be lowered to get more motorists to use the second Malaysia-Singapore crossing.

In making the call, Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said only a lower toll would encourage people using the Causeway to switch to the Second Link.

The toll at the Second Link is RM10.80 for cars, RM24.40 for small lorries and RM48.90 for large lorries. The rates apply to vehicles coming from both sides of the Second Link.

Ghani told the house the rates were approved in an agreement between the Federal Government and concessionaire Linkedua (Malaysia) Berhad inked in 1991.

The rates are far higher than those at the Causeway, where Johor-bound motorists are charged RM2.90 for cars and RM6.10 for large vehicles, including lorries.

"If the toll were reduced, this may encourage more motorists to use the second crossing. Therefore, it may be recommended that the toll be revised," he said when winding up the debate on the sultan of Johor's address yesterday.

He said a downward revision of the toll would bring more revenue for Linkedua.

He said a proposal for a toll review would be forwarded to the Economic Planning Unit as soon as possible.

The Second Link expressway was opened in 1998.

It comprises a bridge linking Singapore, 44km of expressways, a Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex, three toll plazas and two rest and service areas.

The bridge was designed to accommodate up to 200,000 vehicles a day.

Despite the high toll at the Second Link expressway, Ghani said the number of vehicles plying the second crossing had risen over the years.

In 2004, 14.3 million motorists used the Second Link.

That figure was 15.5 million in 2006, 17.2 million in 2007, and 19.9 million last year.

Ghani said a proposal to improve infrastructure at the Second Link expressway should be carried out in line with other overall improvements, such as the upgrading of depots for export and import agents at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex in Tanjung Kupang.

From flickr

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Is that train stopped at the new JB Sentral station? I thought it was not in use yet?

Is that train stopped at the new JB Sentral station? I thought it was not in use yet?
Yup..the station was not in use yet...KTM still stop at the old JB station which located adjacent to new JB Sentral

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/3163/outjb06008.jpg

JB Sentral sedia untuk berwujud keretapi elektrik (throughout JB dan Negeri Johor) sampai KTM antarabandar atau sistem pengangkutan aliran yang lain di masa depan :cheers:

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

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JB’s old CIQ will not be re-opened
Monday October 12, 2009

JOHOR BARU: The Government has decided not to re-open the old Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex to pedestrians.

The decision was made following a three-month study which showed that it would not be cost effective to build a new complex and house security personnel to handle fewer than 1,000 people.

Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mahmud Adam said the matter was now a non-issue as it would cost between RM5mil and RM7mil to operate at the old site.

Mahmud said fewer than 1,000 people walked across the Causeway and it would not be cost effective to operate there.

He added that most people used the new complex in Bukit Chagar.

He said all the old buildings had also been demolished and work on the new Medium Term Link was underway.

On the operations of the new complex, Mahmud said that about 280,000 people used the facility daily.

The RM200mil Medium Term Link project, which is expected to be completed by 2011, will link the new complex to the Cause-way.

This is an elevated road compared to the winding Short Term Access that has been in operation since December last year.

It is learnt that once the Medium Term Link is completed, the travelling distance will be shortened by 500m.

The Short Term Access is 1.2km.

The number of complaints at the new complex has dropped, especially with improvements such as more frequent bus services and facilities for passengers.

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

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is this the latest version of google earth??

Extra lane at CIQ complex to ease traffic congestion

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/articles/04xklane/Article/index_html

It took the singaporeans to point it out for that to happen!

Steps to ease jams at CIQ Complex


JOHOR BARU: The Works Ministry is looking at two immediate measures to ease congestion at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex.

The first measure is to open another lane for cars entering Malaysia and the second is to speed up the RM253mil medium-term link project.

Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor said the first measure would be implemented immediately and roadworks would take about a month.

On the second measure, he said the link was expected to be completed by the end of December 2010, ahead of the initial 2011 deadline.

“These short-term measures will ease congestion at the complex and causeway for cars and lorries.

“We are heeding the Prime Minister’s call to make the country more business-friendly,” he told pressmen after visiting the CIQ Complex and the Tanjung Puteri Customs Complex here.

He said that PLUS had agreed to provide another 36 booths for Immigration personnel to speed up the inspection of cars coming into Malaysia.

Presently, there are 36 booths at the immigration check-point.

“I will inform the Cabinet about the proposed measures as soon as possible,” Shaziman said.

On the Tanjung Puteri Customs Complex being opened 24 hours for vehicles, he said the move had been implemented since Sunday.

“Some 1,400 lorries had gone through the complex daily since it started operating round the clock.

“We discovered that it took the lorries about 16 minutes to clear Customs, but most of the drivers loitered around at the causeway to conduct business in Singapore in the morning,” he said, adding that the lorries contributed to the congestion.

Track view from JB sentral
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/DSC_8854_1.jpg

No more Caltex, but i m thinking they are building new structre there...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/DSC_8858_1.jpg

Business starts at JB sentral
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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/DSC_8870_1.jpg

Also, KSL city is U/C. I am not sure if it reaches 2nd floor. I did not bring my camera along...

^^cool...thx 4 KSL City update!!!

Customs complex open 24 hours


PORT KLANG: The Tanjung Puteri Customs Complex in Johor Baru is operational round-the-clock.

Customs and Excise Department director-general Datuk Seri Ibrahim Jaapar said lorries were able to travel in and out from midnight on Saturday.

“Many are still unaware that the complex is open 24 hours,” he told reporters at Wisma Kastam in Pulau Indah here yesterday.

Last week, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak directed the department to open the complex round-the-clock to ease congestion during peak periods.

No more "Jalan Ular" to CIQ. Overhead bridge connected from the causeway to CIQ

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About damm time ha!!!Banyak pandailah JKR malaysia.

Where they will place the pedestrian walkway?
And railway bridge?

delhttp://.imageshack.us//8548/30926416.jpg

http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af83/xeoc/gb2.jpg
The road is so complex...
is this the latest version of google earth??
Yes it is

From wikimedia

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ja/thumb/1/17/JB_Sentral_1.jpg/800px-JB_Sentral_1.jpg

Can see new platform overthere!!!! :cheers:

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/DSC_8854_1.jpg

Nice pic!

From flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3559/3797047317_e6574c4cc3_o.jpg

so the old platform is going to be reconstructed or upgrade?

Is that snaking road / ramp / viaduct from the Causeway to the CIQ ever going to be rebuilt?

The snaking road was meant as a short-term solution.

They are currently in the midst of completing the medium-term solution, which is a more direct and straight link from the causeway to the customs building.

And the "long-term solution" is of course... a bridge replacing the causeway.

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/quocviet0327/sets/72157624593960176/
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almost complete...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/IMG_20100808_132814.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_annoucements/sta.jpg


UPDATE:
Credits to jb2020

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I modified a bit... 2 black lines is the bridge which is under construction now...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/sta_modify.jpg

UPDATE:
Credits to jb2020

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I modified a bit... 2 black lines is the bridge which is under construction now...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/sta_modify.jpg

Road to SG will not be snaking anymore. Straight to the causeway! :)

I modified a bit... 2 black lines is the bridge which is under construction now...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/weijie/sta_modify.jpg

Road to SG will not be snaky anymore. Straight to the causeway!

http://picas.nhb.gov.sg/picas/data/tn_pcd/20090000097-L104-JS50-3255/img0001.jpg

JB to singapore

Wow thanks so much for that photo dude!!!What year was that 1920sss?I see the police station but not sure the building behind it looks like a market?Would be nice if there is similar photo with the same angle to show the before and after ha!!

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almost completed.

^^Wow, looks like one part of the bridge is done. The other half has few more sections to go before it is completed. After that, just need to lay the tarmac for the road and the road lines. Hmm, from the looks of the pic, you took the picture from the City Square Tower, right? :)

^^Wow, looks like one part of the bridge is done. The other half has few more sections to go before it is completed. After that, just need to lay the tarmac for the road and the road lines. Hmm, from the looks of the pic, you took the picture from the City Square Tower, right? :)

Good observation, yes it was taken from the City Square tower. Wont be able to snap more because i have left the firm like last week. :lol:

http://picas.nhb.gov.sg/picas/data/tn_pcd/20050000002-0038-3202-0774/img0055.jpg
http://picas.nhb.gov.sg/picas/data/tn_pcd/20050000661-L410-JS60-5122-145L-B15/img0051.jpg
Woodlands railway jetty / slipway, used to transfer rail goods via sea before the Causeway was built

http://picas.nhb.gov.sg/picas/data/tn_pcd/20060000334-5227-0511-0744-L2/img0065.jpg
Woodlands station

http://picas.nhb.gov.sg/picas/data/tn_pcd/20090000453-8208-8BC1-1664/img0001.jpg
The former railway jetty at Woodlands, with the Causeway under construction

http://picas.nhb.gov.sg/picas/data/tn_pcd/20090000453-8208-8BC1-1664/img0004.jpg
The lock in the Causeway

http://picas.nhb.gov.sg/picas/data/tn_pcd/20090000453-8208-8BC1-1664/img0003.jpg
Lock

http://picas.nhb.gov.sg/picas/data/tn_pcd/19980005124-8073-3222-4728/img0044.jpg
JB dated 1930, the lock channel beside the coast.


I just discovered that the channel still exist now... Was wondering if the little jetty beside the causeway was part of the old railway jetty. Anyone knows?

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/3810/83296222.jpg (http://img827.imageshack.us/i/83296222.jpg/)

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Fast progress!

^^Yeah, looks like it is almost done. Anybody know when are they completing this bridge? I'm asking because I am just tired of the present long-winded route to the checkpoint every time I enter Johor. :)

^^ Ewww...they repainted the Old JB Railway Station in that horrible color...should've just white-washed it.....

I know this might be slightly off topic. But can someone explain to me what are the benefits of a crooked bridge to Malaysia?

All that I have read recently is that it will let water flow and that ships can pass. Ships can pass? Aren't the straits too narrow?

Hopefully someone can explain to me in detail. Thanks!

^^ Ewww...they repainted the Old JB Railway Station in that horrible color...should've just white-washed it.....

they always like to do this... Colorful but look cheapstake they dun like simple but elegant... :nuts:

I saw the banner that says the train service will move to JB Sentral in (???) Dec/Nov 2010?

i thought the move to JB sentral had been made a day after my birthday

21/10/10??

I know this might be slightly off topic. But can someone explain to me what are the benefits of a crooked bridge to Malaysia?

All that I have read recently is that it will let water flow and that ships can pass. Ships can pass? Aren't the straits too narrow?

Hopefully someone can explain to me in detail. Thanks!

Now that we have all the crooked bridges linking the causeway to the checkpoint there is no need for the actual crooked bridge over the straits of johor:lol:

Hi guys! Just asking. Have you guys got any pics of the new new mid-term bridge? I heard that it is almost done and have begun using it. Thanks. :)

The Star Online > Nation
Sunday November 21, 2010
Traffic to S’pore to be diverted

By DESIREE TRESA GASPER
desiree@thestar.com.my

JOHOR BARU: Traffic heading for Singapore will be diverted to the new Medium Term Link (MTL) road in stages from Tuesday to pave the way for demolition works on the elevated access road currently connecting the Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex to the causeway.

The access road — nicknamed the F1 circuit because it winds like a Formula 1 racing track – had been in use over the past four to five years as a stop-gap measure while the MTL was being built.

Following the recent completion of the link, the traffic police decided to do several test runs before allowing all vehicles — except lorries from the nearby Tanjung Putri Customs complex — to permanently use the MTL.

The full use of the MTL is expected to start from Jan 13 when the demolition works on the current access road are also scheduled to be completed.

State internal security, public order and traffic chief Supt T. Raveendran said the diversion from the access road to the MTL would start with outbound traffic from 10am on Tuesday.

“We will have the test run for one hour for all buses, cars and motorcycles heading for Singapore to assess and fix problems relating to the diversion,” he told a press conference at the CIQ complex here yesterday.

Barring any hitches, all outbound traffic will be permanently diverted from the access road to the MTL from 10am on Wednesday.

“As for the traffic entering Johor Baru via the causeway, we will have a similar test run on Nov 26 involving only buses,” he said, adding that the inbound buses would permanently start using the MTL on Nov 29.

Supt Raveendran said from Jan 13, all buses, cars and motorcycles — outbound and inbound — would be permanently diverted to the new link.

He said other than traffic diversions, there would be traffic lights at a junction where the lorry lane — leading from the Tanjung Putri Customs complex — meets the lane for the other vehicles.

“This is to ensure a continuous flow of traffic along the causeway,” he said, adding that all lorries would continue to enter Singapore from the Customs complex.

Supt Raveendran said 25 officers from the CIQ complex, the Public Works Department and other agencies would be stationed along the new link to help control traffic flow.

As for the short-term access road linking the CIQ to the causeway, he said it would be demolished in stages and eventually replaced.

“I would also like to advise all motorists to be cautious during the diversion period,” he said.

For enquiries, the public can contact the Johor police hotline at 07-2212999.

© 1995-2010 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D

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^^Nice pics, man. It seems that the mid-term link is more or less complete. I am looking forward to using it when I go there next week. :)

you can see d contructions here at 1.45.
d present route looks like F1 track:nuts:

m1hNySMyfGU

r thr sure this project can improve traffic congestion at Tambak??
how bout Jambatan Bengkok project???

[QUOTE=World 2 World;70181191]you can see d contructions here at 1.45.
d present route looks like F1 track:nuts:

yeah....juz look like F1 circuit..:lol:

anyway...what is the big ship in front of the stulang laut area? never seen it before...

http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/8486/shpf.jpg

Ah, the F1 circuit. I remember always getting stuck in the congestion that always occur. So far, from the vid shown, I can see that the bridge is open to the traffic going towards Woodlands. I wonder how long before they open the route at the mid-term link for the traffic moving into JB. :)

^^Took the mid-link bridge yesterday into JB when it is officially opened. It is definitely much better ride than the previous route. Anyway, they have started to demolish the old way. :)

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c224/dengilo/DSC03710.jpg
Once upon a time ago:)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5032/5890014730_f29aa49b14_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lin_jixiang/5890014730/)
IMG_4759 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lin_jixiang/5890014730/) by L-W (http://www.flickr.com/people/lin_jixiang/), on Flickr
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5265/5889449033_17f52ed0cf_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lin_jixiang/5889449033/)
IMG_4756 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lin_jixiang/5889449033/) by L-W (http://www.flickr.com/people/lin_jixiang/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5889379597_2ca8ccd202_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lin_jixiang/5889379597/)
IMG_4812 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lin_jixiang/5889379597/) by L-W (http://www.flickr.com/people/lin_jixiang/), on Flickr
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/5889380187_1eae967b3f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lin_jixiang/5889380187/)
IMG_4814 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lin_jixiang/5889380187/) by L-W (http://www.flickr.com/people/lin_jixiang/), on Flickr
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6057/5889945912_59da6d0f4d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lin_jixiang/5889945912/)
IMG_4827 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lin_jixiang/5889945912/) by L-W (http://www.flickr.com/people/lin_jixiang/), on Flickr

I just been there yesterday :)

Here some interior pics i took ;)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7109/6941702512_489212a1ef_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ujaididida/6941702512/)
IMG_7442 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ujaididida/6941702512/) by ujai_didida (http://www.flickr.com/people/ujaididida/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/7087776687_9dc3061f96_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ujaididida/7087776687/)
IMG_7444 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ujaididida/7087776687/) by ujai_didida (http://www.flickr.com/people/ujaididida/), on Flickr

More..

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7276/6941708550_f8e100eff0_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ujaididida/6941708550/)
IMG_7446 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ujaididida/6941708550/) by ujai_didida (http://www.flickr.com/people/ujaididida/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/7087782755_58e1bb81c3_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ujaididida/7087782755/)
IMG_7447 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ujaididida/7087782755/) by ujai_didida (http://www.flickr.com/people/ujaididida/), on Flickr

Workers..

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/6941706384_83cee004bb_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ujaididida/6941706384/)
IMG_7445 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ujaididida/6941706384/) by ujai_didida (http://www.flickr.com/people/ujaididida/), on Flickr

traffic jam?(the last pic)

From a distance the CIQ looks huge but i am disappointed how narrow the car lanes were!