KUALA LUMPUR Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamed of Malaysia said Friday that he would push through a plan to build a bridge across the strait to Singapore.
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Mahathir said the bridge would link up with the existing low-level causeway in the middle of the Tebrau Strait. Singapore lies at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, and is separated by the strait.
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Malaysia had pressed for a bridge all the way to Singapore as part of an agreement to resolve a number of disputes, but the island-state said it was not interested, arguing that the causeway was adequate. Mahathir responded by criticizing Singapore for its reluctance to replace the half-kilometer causeway, which was built in 1924.
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The two countries, which separated in 1965 after a brief union in the years following independence from Britain, have deep economic ties but relations sometimes have been prickly.
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Other spats include overlapping claims on a rocky islet, use of Malaysian airspace by Singapore fighters and a dispute over the price of untreated water, which Malaysia supplies to Singapore.
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Mahathir said the bridge would enable vessels under 25 meters (80 feet) in height to pass through, including those carrying cargo from the Port of Pasir Gudang to the Port of Tanjung Pelepas.
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A contract for the 1.1 billion ringgit ($289 million) bridge was awarded to Gerbang Perdana, a Malaysian company. The project is scheduled for completion by December 2005. The plan will include a customs, immigration and quarantine complex, the official Bernama news agency reported.
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Mahathir said Malaysia would not seek Singapore's involvement because doing so could cause delays. The government had sufficient funds to finance the bridge on its own, he added.
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Thousands of Malaysians travel daily to work on the island-state and Singaporeans are the biggest group of visitors to Malaysia.
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Also on Friday, Singapore launched a regional tourism office in Kuala Lumpur to woo international travelers to both countries.
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The move was an "important milestone" in bilateral ties, said Raymond Lim, the Singaporean minister of state for foreign affairs and trade and industry. The two countries will work together to promote Malaysia and Singapore as "twin destinations" for international travelers, he said.
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The Malaysian tourism minister, Kadir Sheik Fadzir, said both sides would benefit from working together. "Problems will crop up from time to time but we must not let that affect us," he said.

actually from what i know being the issue of this bridge is that, this is a movable bridge. unlike the present causeway that is static, it doesn't allow ships to pass under.

this new bridge proposed allow bridge to pass from straits of melaka to the chinese sea. that's y it cause an issue here. it's meant to take away singaporean shipping industry. correct me if i am wrong.

It is a movable bridge???? I didn't know that...from what I know, the current causeway blocks the waterflow, so that it why it is a good reason to build the new bridge. also of course the traffic of the causeway is worsen each year. even before the construction of the bridge port of singapore is threaten by malaysia's tanjung pelepas....

vinzlim,

I totally agree with vinzlim. Once again, Malaysia has became a completely ass hole in this issue. I hope that Thailand would dig a canal on top of the penisula Malaysia and bypass everything...

Originally posted by Sunshineboy

vinzlim,

I totally agree with vinzlim. Once again, Malaysia has became a completely ass hole in this issue. I hope that Thailand would dig a canal on top of the penisula Malaysia and bypass everything...

yea....yea ......I wish your dream come true. Then Spore and Msia would fall back into stone-age. That's what you always hope to see right?

BTW before you say something about Thailand 'digging up the Ithsmus of Kra', please do understand that Spore (and to a certain extent - Msia) had been the hub for transshipment in this region. Its just not about having a 'short-cut' only. These are huge cargo ships not you driving to your local mall where 'short cuts' are essential. These ships needed a distribution centre - an entreport.

yea true too. that's where the tanjung pelepas port is. the strategy might be and not possibly true my own opinion is to have a port at tanjung pelepas quite strategic before the singapore one. and the ship can just take the short cut without entering singaporean waters.
of course it might and might not work cos singapore also got loyal customers. it was highlighted in goh chok tong's speech before that both ports being in competition to get clients. and singapore do lose some clients to tanjung pelepas.

Back to the issue.......

A brief introduction:

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

Just a short explanation here from me.....

Its not just about for the sake of building a bridge to Singapore that enable our govt to embark on the Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu or the Integrated Southern Gateway. Remember that the bridge is only 'part' of the project and it is not the main focal as many have chosen to see it as.

THE COMPONENTS OF THE GSB PROJECT

- A new Integrated CIQ Complex;
- Road Bridge;
- Railway Bridge;
- Interchange No. 1 and Internal Roads;
- Relocation of PUB water mains and other utilities;
- Dredging of the Navigational Channel; and
- moval of part of the Causeway and demolition of existing tructures

Originally posted by vinzlim

yea true too. that's where the tanjung pelepas port is. the strategy might be and not possibly true my own opinion is to have a port at tanjung pelepas quite strategic before the singapore one. and the ship can just take the short cut without entering singaporean waters.
of course it might and might not work cos singapore also got loyal customers. it was highlighted in goh chok tong's speech before that both ports being in competition to get clients. and singapore do lose some clients to tanjung pelepas.

The bridge is to allow 'smaller vessels' and water to pass thru and not large cargo ships as the bridge would only have a clearance of 25 metres (80 feet). Should there be any cargo ship.....it would be the smaller ones that are carrying cargo from the Port of Pasir Gudang to the Port of Tanjung Pelepas. ;)

actually from what i know being the issue of this bridge is that, this is a movable bridge. unlike the present causeway that is static, it doesn't allow ships to pass under.

The swing bridge is the rail bridge not the road bridge. The reason why the road bridge is 'crooked' is because it needed the height for ship clearance. :)

:cheers:

HERE ARE A FEW NEWSPAPER ARTICLES IN REGARDS TO THIS ISSUE:




http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gerbang/newspaper/1.jpg

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gerbang/newspaper/7.jpg

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gerbang/newspaper/6.jpg

This article not too clear but there is an artist rendering of the rail bridge. ;)

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gerbang/newspaper/9.jpg

NOTE: The picture at the top left corner of this article is the original causeway bridge proposal

The new CIQ (Customs, Immigration and Quarantine) complex

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

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

The new CIQ site as of February 2003:

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gerbang/story_images/gallery/DSC05688.jpg

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gerbang/story_images/gallery/DSC05696.jpg

Diagrams of the new CIQ:

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

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

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

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

JB SENTRAL TERMINAL

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

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

wow, i am impressed. so detailed u've got there.

:eek: that moveable rail bridge is impressive and the JB Sentral too..

wow....great project???? by the way, is the train on the picture the maglev train???

WOW!! is is sooo coool!!!:cool: hope they build it quick

Thanks for those articles. Looks really impressive !

lol... the rendering looks so cute and futuristic.. i would be better if only the singapore goverment would accept our proposals... the

Originally posted by ethan

wow....great project???? by the way, is the train on the picture the maglev train???

No Maglev train looks like that.......hehe....anyway I think they just simply draw a train there for the sake of 'filling' up the rendering of the bridge.....;)

Originally posted by Kevinkhoo1986

lol... the rendering looks so cute and futuristic.. i would be better if only the singapore goverment would accept our proposals... the

Cute??? :?....hehehe.....I wouldn't exactly call the renderings cute :D Futuristic yea.....but cute?:D

Oh it is sooo coool :cool: Szehoong thanks for the details;)

the original bridge if singapore agree will be great though. hey, why not propose the design as the option to second link to penang.

Originally posted by ethan

the original bridge if singapore agree will be great though. hey, why not propose the design as the option to second link to penang.

Cool idea!! i want suspension bridge lah!!:D but the bridge cannot be too high coz of the airport

Originally posted by ethan

the original bridge if singapore agree will be great though. hey, why not propose the design as the option to second link to penang.

aiyoooo sooo gerammmmm loh...how come they always simply said want to build that build this...but in the end no news at alllll :bash:

Originally posted by Pablo

aiyoooo sooo gerammmmm loh...how come they always simply said want to build that build this...but in the end no news at alllll :bash:

Aiyooooo sabar la.....they are now arguing whether to increase the toll on Penang Bridge or not!!! :D

Originally posted by ethan

Aiyooooo sabar la.....they are now arguing whether to increase the toll on Penang Bridge or not!!! :D

sure must increase the toll on Penang Bridge, if not Penang Bridge will always traffic jam...

then wouldn't it be hard to penangites??
take ferry? the ferry terminal also got bad traffic can't be solved

just build everything and all problems solved!!:D exept for financial problems

there's supposed to be Penang Island Structure Plan in June but it is already August, still no news. or maybe i've missed it??

Originally posted by TYW

just build everything and all problems solved!!:D exept for financial problems

there's supposed to be Penang Island Structure Plan in June but it is already August, still no news. or maybe i've missed it??

you guys made it looks as if Penang isn't materialising anything at all......just talk only....:D

;) look at the upgrade of the jalan keling project. if iwas not mistaken that project is quite long ago's proposal. now only they started it. it was mahathir's inspiration from a trip to west asia,if i am not wrong bout that.

Originally posted by ethan

the original bridge if singapore agree will be great though. hey, why not propose the design as the option to second link to penang.

hahaha......Penangites wants everything! :D :D :D .....However I would love to see Penang to have a suspension bridge like Tsing Ma Bridge in HK! ;)

Originally posted by vinzlim

then wouldn't it be hard to penangites??
take ferry? the ferry terminal also got bad traffic can't be solved

neither Penang Bridge or Ferry aslo got bad traffic, the only great suggestion is to build another link to Butterworth:)

But with building a new bridge, is it will caused more traffic jam at penang??? Some people who against the project ( not Me :D ) argued that with building the new link is actually encourage more people to go to the island. They suggested that the authoriry focus on transfering the traffic to the Mainland by developing the seberang prai area.

Originally posted by ethan

But with building a new bridge, is it will caused more traffic jam at penang??? Some people who against the project ( not Me :D ) argued that with building the new link is actually encourage more people to go to the island. They suggested that the authoriry focus on transfering the traffic to the Mainland by developing the seberang prai area.

i think it isn't a bad thing as ppl go to the island. for me i would prefer to have a new bridge. Seberang Prai have to develop for sure, but if transfering the traffic to the mainland will cause the island become a necropolis.... i would rather prefer the Mainland become and industry estate:D

Originally posted by ethan

But with building a new bridge, is it will caused more traffic jam at penang??? Some people who against the project ( not Me :D ) argued that with building the new link is actually encourage more people to go to the island. They suggested that the authoriry focus on transfering the traffic to the Mainland by developing the seberang prai area.

what you say is right but what if the demand is there to built a new bridge? They should have done such planning much earlier on.

Anyway not building another bridge would certainly waste many people's money and time because of the traffic jam and this isn't good for the economy.

Look at HK......they have got a couple of tunnels and should there be not enuf space, development would shift to the mainland. Penang still got lotsa space and have not reach its critical mass yet. Furthermore by building more links, would certainly encourage growth in Penang and Sebarang Perai would certainly benefits from such growth. ;)

Originally posted by szehoong

what you say is right but what if the demand is there to built a new bridge? They should have done such planning much earlier on.

Anyway not building another bridge would certainly waste many people's money and time because of the traffic jam and this isn't good for the economy.

Look at HK......they have got a couple of tunnels and should there be not enuf space, development would shift to the mainland. Penang still got lotsa space and have not reach its critical mass yet. Furthermore by building more links, would certainly encourage growth in Penang and Sebarang Perai would certainly benefits from such growth. ;)

yess..I agreed. If we keep on postponing the project, it will be much much costly in the future. I don't remember where I read but someone said that if the Penang Bridge is constucted now, the cost will be 4/5 times more.

Originally posted by ethan

yess..I agreed. If we keep on postponing the project, it will be much much costly in the future. I don't remember where I read but someone said that if the Penang Bridge is constucted now, the cost will be 4/5 times more.

yea..that's right.....and that 'someone' is none other than our PM - Dr. Mahathir! :D :D :D

Originally posted by szehoong

yea..that's right.....and that 'someone' is none other than our PM - Dr. Mahathir! :D :D :D

lol :bash: Hehehehehe:D

we really need a second bridge. they always say that the current bridge has exceeded it's maximum capacity (maybe will collapse soon:D j/k). to solve this problem, the Penang Port have bought new ferries. but is it already being sent here or not, i don't know.

more traffic in the island?? solution?? monorail:D anyway, penang still have lots of space for these extra people. maybe more residential towers:D ??

Originally posted by TYW

we really need a second bridge. they always say that the current bridge has exceeded it's maximum capacity (maybe will collapse soon:D j/k). to solve this problem, the Penang Port have bought new ferries. but is it already being sent here or not, i don't know.

more traffic in the island?? solution?? monorail:D anyway, penang still have lots of space for these extra people. maybe more residential towers:D ??

They should upgrade the current bridge (bridge widening) and to built a new bridge and to improve the access roads within the island. All these should come as a package to improve the circulation in the island. No point having 10 bridges if there is a gridlock in the island.....;)

Originally posted by szehoong

They should upgrade the current bridge (bridge widening) and to built a new bridge and to improve the access roads within the island. All these should come as a package to improve the circulation in the island. No point having 10 bridges if there is a gridlock in the island.....;)

bridge widening is not safe. the newspapers also say so. i dunno if that plan will still be carried out. most probably not

they should build PORR and the 2nd bridge together so that they can help to ease congestion

Originally posted by TYW

bridge widening is not safe. the newspapers also say so. i dunno if that plan will still be carried out. most probably not

they should build PORR and the 2nd bridge together so that they can help to ease congestion

yes....both PORR and the 2nd bridge should come in a package.

Should they widen the current bridge....they should upgrade all the current connecting roads and interchange all-together too. If not there are bound to be a major bottle-neck....;)

Originally posted by szehoong

yes....both PORR and the 2nd bridge should come in a package.

Should they widen the current bridge....they should upgrade all the current connecting roads and interchange all-together too. If not there are bound to be a major bottle-neck....;)

the package is cool idea!! the interchanges in Jelutong expressway(JE) should be built as soon as possible. the 3rd phase of JE id the widening of the highway. i think it should be done since the 1st phase was completed.

Originally posted by TYW

the package is cool idea!! the interchanges in Jelutong expressway(JE) should be built as soon as possible. the 3rd phase of JE id the widening of the highway. i think it should be done since the 1st phase was completed.

Connecting roads and interchanges are in fact much more important than the bridge itself. Penang would have to upgrade those first before upgrading the bridge. Likewise, should the new bridge be built, the interchange and the connecting roads should be built (and completed) as well. If not, it defies any purpose for the second bridge.......;)

Originally posted by szehoong

Connecting roads and interchanges are in fact much more important than the bridge itself. Penang would have to upgrade those first before upgrading the bridge. Likewise, should the new bridge be built, the interchange and the connecting roads should be built (and completed) as well. If not, it defies any purpose for the second bridge.......;)

that's right!! i'm not sure how is it going right now but i hope the government thinks this way too

Originally posted by TYW

that's right!! i'm not sure how is it going right now but i hope the government thinks this way too

:( Too bad most of the time they do not..........

Originally posted by szehoong

:( Too bad most of the time they do not..........

yeah too bad. but the ppl complaining in the papers do;)

what is this !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
really good project .I never go to JB before.Is it confirm that project.BAGUS!

boy...call me conventional, but the design Malaysia is pushing through is really....unusual to say the least! *eyes wide*...esp since it'll look mighty 'wierd' connecting to Singapore's other half of the causeway! :?

Originally posted by szehoong

yes....both PORR and the 2nd bridge should come in a package.

Should they widen the current bridge....they should upgrade all the current connecting roads and interchange all-together too. If not there are bound to be a major bottle-neck....;)

The propose of widen the current bridge should be carry out the begining of this year...but now still no news:bash: :bash:

actually most of the road in Penang island r bottle-neck..this is the main reason cause the heavy traffic jam...sometimes i do think that if the road in Penang island is wide enough and straight, monorail is useless in this island:D :D :D

Hmm..interesting thread, nvm that 2/3rds of it are not related to the title! :D

This article appeared here today.....possibly something they would jump at gleefully and report it here?? ;)

Source: The Straits Times (http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/asia/story/0,4386,212968,00.html?)

JB shops hit hard by new bridge works

Shop owners in affected areas have fewer customers now because of road closures, and many may be forced to close down

By Helmi Yusof

MALAYSIA'S plan to proceed with an S-shaped bridge to replace its half of the Causeway is running smack into a rising tide of unhappiness among affected shopkeepers and residents.

Road diversions in Johor Baru that are being made as part of the project have led to dwindling business for shops along some streets. To make matters worse, at least 12 shop owners interviewed by The Straits Times said they were not consulted beforehand.

Mr Ng Kim Ong, a grocery store owner at one of the closed roads, Jalan Lumba Kuda, was looking glumly at the empty streets when The Straits Times team visited last week. His store, which is a stone's throw away from the Johor checkpoint, has suffered a drop in business by as much as 60 per cent, he estimated.

Since the closure of the once-busy Tanjung Puteri flyover near the Johor end of the Causeway last month, the number of vehicles plying the roads linked to the flyover has dwindled to a trickle. And shop owners such as Mr Ng, who rely on this traffic for their livelihood, are reeling from the impact. 'How are we supposed to cari makan like this?' said the 65-year-old man, quoting a common Malay phrase for 'make a living'.

Business already took a hit last year when the Malaysian government began building a new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex on Bukit Cagar and Jalan Lumba Kuda. More than 9,000 residents in the area had been resettled to make way for the RM2 billion (S$907 million) Gerbang Perdana Bersepadu, or Integrated Southern Gateway.

Part of the gateway will be a railway swing bridge across the water, which will allow ships to pass through. Another part of the project is the S-shaped, or 'crooked', bridge to replace the Malaysian side of the 80-year-old Causeway.

The building of this bridge was first mooted by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad in 1996. Singapore welcomed the proposal if it could add value and increase the flow of traffic between the two countries, it said before, and if it was part of a wider package of bilateral issues to be resolved. But Malaysia took the water negotiations out of the package last October, and in August this year began building the bridge.

During The Straits Times visit, piling work on land had already begun.

Shopkeepers have complained to the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) and the Johor Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce. The MCA has formed a taskforce to look into whether some of the road closures can be delayed. It has submitted a set of proposals to the Johor state government, said Johor MCA chief Chua Soi Lek.

'We are very concerned about the impact of the closures on businesses, and we have asked the government whether the closures can be carried out in phases,' he said. The entire project, which covers a 38.65ha construction site, is due to be ready by 2007. But many businesses could well fold up way before then. 'Three years is a long time,' said Dr Chua.

Indeed, many of the 15 shop owners interviewed said they were thinking of shutting down for good. This is because they cannot wait until 2007 for construction to be fully completed.

Project developer Gerbang Perdana has declined to comment.

What irks many, though, is the lack of notice given, said duck-rice seller Lim Cheong Hock, whose shop is near the Tanjung Puteri flyover. 'There was no notice from the government about the project and closures. We had to read about them all in the papers,' he said. Like many, he said his earnings have shrunk to less than half.

Mr Tan Yu Joo, 53, who runs the Cathay Laksa stall along Jalan Lumba Kuda, said he has to throw out a lot of unsold food and ingredients at the end of each day. 'This place has turned into a ghost town, compared to what it was before,' he said. Another shop owner, Mr Pang Weng Siang, 33, now closes his luo han aquarium at 5pm instead of 9pm.

It is not just the businesses that are affected. Residents in the area also claimed they have witnessed a rising number of road accidents because of a lack of road signs warning motorists of the closures. Housewife Yeoh Ah Lin, 64, claimed she saw a total of four minor road accidents - two in the morning and two at night - the day after roadblocks were put up on Sept 14. 'A lot of vehicles drive into small, poorly lit streets...only to face a roadblock,' she said. 'But when they try to turn back, they find that there are other motorists behind them - who also do not know about the road closures.'

Duck-rice seller Mr Lim said: 'We can complain, but will they listen?'

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

THE PLAN: All-new structures

MALAYSIA is building a new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex, known as the Integrated Southern Gateway, at a cost of RM2 billion (S$916 million). Its road and railway structures will include a new 1.4km bridge that will replace its 0.45km portion of the Causeway.

The elevated bridge will curve like a harp and climb up to a height of 25m, or about that of an eight-storey flat, before sloping down to meet Singapore's half of the Causeway. The gradient of the slope will not exceed 4.2 degrees, Datuk Yahya Jalil, managing director of project developer Gerbang Perdana, has said.

Ya... heard that a lot of Johor businessmans are not happy with this project...

Originally posted by Magician

Ya... heard that a lot of Johor businessmans are not happy with this project... Its true meh? Sometimes I get the feeling ST is making up stories (esp those interviews)...unless someone can verify this? Afterall they supposedly interviewed MCA, so maybe tt could be easier to chk.

Originally posted by Pablo

The propose of widen the current bridge should be carry out the begining of this year...but now still no news:bash: :bash:

actually most of the road in Penang island r bottle-neck..this is the main reason cause the heavy traffic jam...sometimes i do think that if the road in Penang island is wide enough and straight, monorail is useless in this island:D :D :D

all talk and no action:bleep: :rant: PORR is supposed to start construction in June and Penang Island Structure plan is supposed to be in june as well. till now ........ NOTHING!! those idoits should do something:bash:

Wah...some people like to talk as thou I dunt exist...:D

Originally posted by huaiwei

Wah...some people like to talk as thou I dunt exist...:D

what?? i was talking about Penang:?

I noe.....just wondering why in every thread u seem to be ignoring me...hahaa! :D

Originally posted by huaiwei

I noe.....just wondering why in every thread u seem to be ignoring me...hahaa! :D

sorry if u feel that way, maybe coz i don't know what to say or maybe u were talking to someone else;)

It's ok...I am just trying to bring the conversation back to topic, and what better way to do it then with some juicy and controversial stuff! :D

Originally posted by huaiwei

It's ok...I am just trying to bring the conversation back to topic, and what better way to do it then with some juicy and controversial stuff! :D

he he... when i have nothing to say i just go off topic:D

Originally posted by TYW

he he... when i have nothing to say i just go off topic:D Nvm lah....I can see that happening in every thread! :D And in fact, it is happening rite now too! ;)

Originally posted by huaiwei

Nvm lah....I can see that happening in every thread! :D And in fact, it is happening rite now too! ;)

he he.... that is normal lah:D that's why sometimes, when some ppl come back to topic, i'm too lazy to think about it anymore unless it is interesing:angel1:

this is from todays New Straits Times, but I believe that most of you know already.

The nation's attention is now focused on the State as it carves a niche as the number one spot for "mega projects" in the country.

Johor Baru, in particular, has taken the limelight with a series of spectacular infrastructure projects designed to transform it into a modern metropolis.

At the last count, some RM20 billion in Federal, State and private investments had already been committed on projects to be developed within the next three to five years.

The shape of things to come has stirred great excitement among politicians, businessmen and ordinary citizens in Johor.

For years, they have watched with envy as Johor Baru — the Southern Gateway to Malaysia — was skipped by the political masters and decision makers as Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Langkawi and Penang stole the limelight.

But now, the focus has shifted to Johor and the projects earmarked are equally grandiose and inspiring.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said the rapid structural changes under way would lift Johor Baru from the status of a backwater town to a boom city.

"It is going to be a radical transformation," he cautioned recently, adding that Johor Baru was destined to become the next new commercial and financial hub of the south.

And the flagship of these changes will be the Southern Integrated Gateway (SIG) — a spectacular RM2.5 billion development that will completely alter Johor Baru's skyline and landscape.

Unknown to many, work on the project has been progressing steadily since January this year for completion by December 2005.

The overall progress of construction so far on the 1.45km elevated bridge to partially replace the Causeway and the new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex has already reached 19 per cent.

Some 550 workers, including more than 55 enginers, are working round-the-clock to realise this "fast track" development on time. Eventually some 2,000 workers will be deployed.

The Government, which is the developer, has readily made available funding for the project from day one and is sparing no efforts to ensure the facilities are completed on schedule.

To the nation's credit, a local contractor — Gerbang Perdana Sdn Bhd — has been entrusted with the job.

The consortium comprises Detik Nagasari Sdn Bhd (20 per cent equity), DRB-Hicom (20 per cent) and Merong Mahawangsa Sdn Bhd, a unit of Ibex Corp, which holds the rest.

The Menteri Besar, who toured the project site spread over 43.12ha in the heart of Johor Baru last week, was clearly impressed with the progress of work and the speed with which the development is being realised.

"This is a fast track development. It will be completed as scheduled by December 2005," he said.

SIG is of national and strategic importance and destined to become an impressive landmark for Johor Baru.

The project involves three primary components — a new CIQ complex, JB Sentral and a road bridge.

The CIQ complex, which will house 15 government agencies, will have separate passenger halls for buses and coaches and its own processing area for light and heavy vehicles.

The JB Sentral is designed to become the railway and public transport hub of Johor Baru, while the 1.6km road bridge will be linked to the CIQ and the Causeway at the Singapore border.

It will have dual four-lane carriageways for light and heavy vehicles, including buses and a dedicated lane for motorcycles.

There will also be a special steel swing rail bridge and marine approach from the mid-part of the Causeway over the Straits of Johor to allow vessels to pass through the navigational channel and, at the same time, provide rail services to and from Singapore.

For Johor Baru residents, SIG will offer a new road network to improve traffic flow in the city, with better linkages to the other parts of the town.

This includes a three-tiered interchange to disperse traffic emerging from the CIQ Complex to the JB Inner Ring Road and Jalan Stulang Darat.

It will by-pass the town, hence relieving the city of vehicles coming from Singapore that now clog up the roads.

From the economic viewpoint, SIG will complement Malaysia's aspiration of creating a premier modern gateway with a multiplier effect on employment, income and value enhancement for Johor and the nation as a whole.

The project also holds tremendous promise for tourism and Johor will be the first and direct beneficiary.

This includes not just tourists arriving via land, but also pleasure boats and cruise vessels with the demolition of the Causeway and the opening up of the navigational channels for maritime activities.

With all these and more, the SIG is indeed exciting news for the people of Johor.

[http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gerbang/story_images/gallery/F1010005.jpg ;)

Really can't wait for JB Sentral!! Hoping ithe city will get it's new tallest!
:dance:

i think the tallest will be bout 50 stories high rite baq?? :D :D anyway~ good news for JB!!! Goooooooo!!!! :pepper: :pepper: >>>>> :horse:

Originally posted by SEED

i think the tallest will be bout 50 stories high rite baq?? :D :D anyway~ good news for JB!!! Goooooooo!!!! :pepper: :pepper: >>>>> :horse:

wah good! can ingat! :D yeah but the other 4 towers at 40 storeys each cancelled :(

wow~ why cancel??? financial problem??:? :? :(

'For years, they have watched with envy as Johor Baru — the Southern Gateway to Malaysia — was skipped by the political masters and decision makers as Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Langkawi and Penang stole the limelight.'

But how come, i feel that Penang is one of the states being ignored?

Originally posted by SEED
i think the tallest will be bout 50 stories high rite baq?? :D :D anyway~ good news for JB!!! Goooooooo!!!! :pepper: :pepper: >>>>> :horse:

Really? Any info on that?

Go Johor!Go Johor!:rotf: Yipee!Finally!Its going to build!By the way,how far is Johor Sentral gonna be from the central city?i estimate the scraper is gonna be around 210 meters!:D Hope they really break the 200 mark.

Originally posted by Magician

'For years, they have watched with envy as Johor Baru — the Southern Gateway to Malaysia — was skipped by the political masters and decision makers as Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Langkawi and Penang stole the limelight.'

But how come, i feel that Penang is one of the states being ignored?

Penang isn't ignored.......developments are always halted because there are a lot of NIMBYs around plus a few hundred NOGs (heck....you can't even nail to a tree!) and also the political squabble between the 2 dominant parties and a noisy opposition........

Look at what the fed govt did.......Dr. Mahathir's first big project is to built the Penang Bridge.......after that all goes downhill......

One very good recent example is the PORR.....it was stalled and halted many times......if it is in KL......everything would be smooth flowing. ;)

wow!! great news;) hope got some pics to c

Business Times - 30 Dec 2003


RM223m Causeway bridge contract farmed out

But signs are that a straightened bridge may be built instead

By EDDIE TOH
IN KUALA LUMPUR

THE developer of the 'crooked' bridge project to link Malaysia and Singapore has farmed out a major contract, although there are signs that the Malaysian government may now want to seek Singapore's cooperation in building a straight bridge.

Muhibbah Engineering, listed on the Kuala Lumpur exchange, said last week it was awarded a contract worth RM223.1 million (S$100) to build a bridge in the southern city of Johor Baru. The company said it will take about 28 months to complete the job.

No other details of the project were disclosed. A source said the contract is for the bridge to replace the Malaysian half of the Causeway.

Another source said French specialist contractor Freyssinet is expected to take part in the construction of the bridge.

This is the second major contract handed out by project developer Gerbang Perdana. The consortium - comprising Ibex Corporation, DRB-Hicom and Hyundai-Berjaya Corporation (formerly Transwater Corporation) - had awarded a contract valued at RM180 million to Nam Fatt Corporation for the construction of a customs, immigration and quarantine facility. The entire project, which will also include a swing bridge for a railway track, will cost RM1.1 billion when completed by the end of 2005.

Gerbang Perdana was given the green light by former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad to proceed with the half-bridge project following disagreements with the Singapore government on plans to jointly build a bridge to replace the entire Causeway.

However, the developer and its team of sub-contractors may have to revise their blueprint. Recent reports indicated that the Malaysian government, now headed by Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, may seek the cooperation of the Singapore government to build a straight bridge instead.

If an accord is reached, this will be the second joint bridge project. The two governments jointly built the Second Link bridge to connect Tuas in Singapore and Gelang Patah in Johor in the mid-90s.

Leaders of the two countries are expected to discuss the bridge project and other outstanding bilateral problems when they meet next month.

Mr Abdullah will meet Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong in Singapore on Jan 12 as part of his Asean tour to strengthen bilateral ties.

Mr Goh and his Cabinet members have also been invited by his Malaysian counterpart to the Chinese New Year Open House on Jan 24 in JB.

Business Times - 14 Jan 2004


Crooked bridge project in full swing

Goh-Abdullah meet did not prompt 'go-slow' order

By EDDIE TOH
IN KUALA LUMPUR

CONSTRUCTION work on a crooked half-bridge to link Malaysia and Singapore is in full swing - but the developer is waiting for any directive to stop work and redraw the blueprint amid signs of warmer ties between the two governments, according to a senior executive involved in the project.

'It's in full swing but we shall wait for further instructions,' the official told BT yesterday.

Contrary to earlier reports, the executive said project developer Gerbang Perdana had not been ordered to 'go slow' on the project ahead of the meeting between Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his Singapore counterpart Goh Chok Tong in Singapore on Monday.

On Monday, Mr Goh and Mr Abdullah agreed to settle outstanding bilateral issues through talks and will turn to third-party arbitration only as a last resort.

The warmer climate has raised hopes that the two governments may decide to build a new bridge across the Straits of Johor jointly, instead of Malaysia building a crooked half-bridge to replace its end of the existing Causeway.

Gerbang Perdana was given the green light by Dr Mahathir to proceed with the half-bridge following tiffs with the Singapore government on plans to jointly build a bridge to replace the entire Causeway. The owners of Gerbang Perdana are Ibex Corporation, DRB-Hicom and Hyundai-Berjaya Corporation.

The Causeway, built in the 1920s, connects the two countries but retards the flow of water in the narrow straits. The executive said Gerbang Perdana could revert to its original proposal - first drawn up in 1996 - for a straight, elevated bridge to replace the entire Causeway should the two governments reach an accord.

Apart from allowing water to flow in the straits, the official said a straight bridge could be a 'friendship bridge' to symbolise the renewal of ties between Malaysia and Singapore.

Other components of the Malaysia-initiated project could also be tweaked.

The executive said a rail track could be built on the elevated bridge. Alternatively, there could be a tunnel under the straits. The current blueprint calls for a 'swing bridge' for the rail track.

But work on the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex in Johor Baru is not expected to be affected by any change in the bridge design.

The executive said it's not too late to change the bridge design as promoters of the project have completed less than a quarter of the job specifications. The entire project was expected to be completed by the end of next year.

Copyright © 2003 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

wow nice :)

i wonder JB Sentral is a railway hub or a small station for the KTM rail service that link to Singapore. :?

I know there's a thread on this lurking somewhere but just can't seem to locate it.. so, anyway, posting it as a fresh. Mod, feel free to move it where it belongs... ;)
--------------------

Straits Times FEB 4, 2004
Construction work on 'half-bridge' halted
Malaysia to propose that Singapore consider the original suspension bridge design for replacing the Causeway

By Brendan Pereira
MALAYSIA CORRESPONDENT

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia has stopped construction work on the 'half-bridge' to replace the Johor Causeway and will over the next few days propose to Singapore that the original design of a suspension bridge joining both countries be considered.

The move follows a re-think by administration officials and several Umno politicians on the value of building a half-bridge that will not only be an eyesore but also convey a wrong message to future generations of Malaysians and Singaporeans.

On Sunday, Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said Malaysia would present a new proposal to Singapore on the construction of a bridge to replace the Causeway.

He said contractors were drawing up new designs and planning further discussions before presenting their proposals to Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi.

These comments created the impression that they were going back to the drawing board and raised the possibility of a lengthy delay.

But Gerbang Perdana, the principal project contractor, said it would offer the original design as an alternative.

Datuk Yahya Jalil, its executive vice-chairman and managing director, said the bridge 'will be based upon the original design which includes the twin arch. Any changes after this will be made with the consent of both countries'.

He added that technical details of the bridge would be discussed as soon as possible with Singapore. 'Only when the design is agreed upon by both countries will engineers work on the technical details of the project.'

He felt the original bridge design would provide 'a full and final settlement' to the issues of maritime traffic through the Straits of Johor.

In the original plan to replace the Causeway, the 1km-long bridge was to have two main spans arranged in a bird-wing-shaped twin arch, from which the deck was to be suspended by cables. It is understood that each side would have to bear the cost of about RM240 million (S$107 million) to build this bridge.

Government officials told The Straits Times the Prime Minister has been taking a personal interest in the bridge project.

It is learnt that construction work stopped a week before Datuk Seri Abdullah paid a visit to Singapore last month, a move aimed at showing Kuala Lumpur's seriousness in persuading Singapore to consider building the bridge together.

Previously, Singapore agreed to work with Malaysia on a new bridge only within a package of bilateral issues that included Malaysia's supply of water to Singapore after 2061. But under former PM Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia called off the package deal in October 2002.

When the water issue was separated from the package, Singapore called off its plans for a new bridge.

It was this stand-off that prompted Malaysia to go it alone, with Dr Mahathir saying there was no choice but to opt for a 'crooked' bridge because of environmental and commercial necessities.

Last month, Foreign Minister S. Jayakumar said Singapore's view was that it did not make sense for it to build its part of a bridge as it was not as effective as the Causeway.

http://www.members.lycos.co.uk/fys3sx/GSB.JPG



hihi...i am JB orang.....

I like this project ...but its so waste room...

what a big building bump in city center!!

i think this huge building larger than whole JB city...what a joke..
funny....wanna fight with singapore CIQ......?
i think singapore CIQ which complete in 1997 just equal 1/5 big compare with JB new CIQ GSB!!

after complete we can laugh...HAHA>..singapore CIQ so small.....(MR mahathir said)
but now....our current old CIQ....really very lauya...so throw face..

Welcome. Thanks for the aerial shot.
BTW, it is at the size because it serves like KLSentral - retail,office, residential and train station + immigration check point.

Do u guys agree that the JB skyline now looks much neater and cleaner after they'd torn down those dilapidated flats that once stood on the construction site of the CIQ complex? ;)

Can't wait for the old complex to make way for the new!! :D

Originally posted by xeoc

i think this huge building larger than whole JB city...what a joke..
funny....wanna fight with singapore CIQ......?
i think singapore CIQ which complete in 1997 just equal 1/5 big compare with JB new CIQ GSB!!

after complete we can laugh...HAHA>..singapore CIQ so small.....(MR mahathir said)
but now....our current old CIQ....really very lauya...so throw face..

Welcome to the Malaysian Forum Xeoc! :wave:


The building of JB Sentral isn't exactly to make Singapore's CIQ looked small and inferior. Singapore's CIQ at Woodlands is purely a CIQ complex while JB Sentral is a transportation hub like what Baqthier had mentioned earlier.

It would be akin to KL Sentral development. Apart from a train station, CIQ complex, Taxi Station and Bus Station, it also houses numerous offices and consist of a network of roads to untangled the current gridlock at JB CBD. ;)

Originally posted by glenj

Do u guys agree that the JB skyline now looks much neater and cleaner after they'd torn down those dilapidated flats that once stood on the construction site of the CIQ complex? ;)

Can't wait for the old complex to make way for the new!! :D

Yeah....I couldn't have a greed more! :okay:

The old flats are really JB's visual pollutants! :D

Originally posted by xeoc



after complete we can laugh...HAHA>..singapore CIQ so small.....(MR mahathir said)


Oh and I can assure you that Dr. Mahathir would never say that and that he never did. ;)

Even CIQ size is supposed to be a source for "competition" and "comparison"? Unbelievable.....

What next? Width of the bridge on either side of the border (down to the MMs)? Height of landposts? Maybe size of fonts on the street signs? :D

http://www.linkedua.com/linkedua/images/pg35.jpgseconk link bridge
http://www.linkedua.com/linkedua/images/pg41.jpganother
http://www.linkedua.com/linkedua/images/pg42.jpg view towards singapore
http://www.linkedua.com/linkedua/images/pg30.jpg
evening
http://www.linkedua.com/linkedua/images/pg31.jpg second link express way..the most beautifull way in JB..fresh air and falling leaves(alot)...when driving there u will feel...like playing need for speed 4.

The main point is..you can speeding there...hihi..no polis....no traffic..:angel1:


Specifications

Overall length of bridge 1920m
Length within Malaysian waters 1769m
Construction period Oct 1994 to Oct 1997
Total length of piles 10,230m
Total volume of concrete 54000 cubic metres
Total weight of reinforcing steel 18,000 tonnes
Total number of precast box segments 840 units
Longest span 165m

Navigational Channels

Malaysian main navigational channel 75m wide by 25m high.
Malaysian secondary navigational channel 50m wide by 9m high.
Singaporean navigational channel 75m wide by 12m high.

Navigational aids consisting of traffic lights mounted on the bridge piers and lighted buoys placed at strategic navigational locations direct ships through the Malaysian main navigational channel.
http://www.linkedua.com/linkedua/images/superstructure1.jpg contructions

http://www.linkedua.com/linkedua/images/superstructure2.jpg contructions

and the proposed universal studios theme park"MAY" build beside this high way..i heard that total 800 ha....terrible huge...
LOS ANGELES universal studios just 60 ha..

but this planning park include resort.and golf facilities

the last news about the park is....feasibility study already pass..
now continue....consumer study....maybe still need a year..


who got JB monorail or LRT news??...no hope already?




"Proposed Privatisation of LRT System for Johor Bahru JB Star Corporation 1500 M Planning "
i copy this phrase from this site (http://www.enmac.com.my/misc.htm)
the LRT line may pass through DANGA BAY.

Originally posted by xeoc

and the proposed universal studios theme park"MAY" build beside this high way..i heard that total 800 ha....terrible huge...
LOS ANGELES universal studios just 60 ha..

but this planning park include resort.and golf facilities

the last news about the park is....feasibility study already pass..
now continue....consumer study....maybe still need a year..


who got JB monorail or LRT news??...no hope already?



"Proposed Privatisation of LRT System for Johor Bahru JB Star Corporation 1500 M Planning "
i copy this phrase from this site (http://www.enmac.com.my/misc.htm)
the LRT line may pass through DANGA BAY.



Well.....they've been talking bout this for years (since 2001)........and the project is supposed to be taken by Renong (which the company is not doing so well)......so all we could do is wait.......hmmmm ;)

Although this Universal Studios would be larger than the one at LA but I doubt that it would be larger than the crown jewel of em all - Universal Studios & Islands Of Adventure in Florida ;)

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/images/db_progress/09.jpg Rock filling platform completed
December 2003

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/images/db_progress/10.jpg Lowering of steel reinforcement cage for Road Bridge pylon test pile at night December 2003


http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/images/db_progress/first_beam.jpg CIQ Complex beam and floor slab works ongoing December 2003

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/images/about/image_large_rail.jpg The rail bridge will comprise of two sections consisting of the main swing bridge of 170 metres total length and a 400-metre approach from the remaining causeway over the Straits of Johor. The form of construction for the approach spans is most likely to be of steel trusses of moderate span lengths.

The swing section of the bridge will allow an opening of 100 metres over the navigational channel, taking 385 seconds for opening and 400 seconds for closing. In case of a power failure, a diesel generator will provide the necessary power supply to operate the swing bridge. However, the opening and closing times will be double due to less power being supplied by the diesel generator.


http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gerbang/story_images/ciq/partial_section.jpg
http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/images/about/image_architectural01.jpg The architectural form and features - CIQ Complex & JB Sentralhttp://gsb.jkr.gov.my/images/about/image_architectural02.jpg

Originally posted by xeoc

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/images/about/image_large_rail.jpg The rail bridge will comprise of two sections consisting of the main swing bridge of 170 metres total length and a 400-metre approach from the remaining causeway over the Straits of Johor. The form of construction for the approach spans is most likely to be of steel trusses of moderate span lengths.

The swing section of the bridge will allow an opening of 100 metres over the navigational channel, taking 385 seconds for opening and 400 seconds for closing. In case of a power failure, a diesel generator will provide the necessary power supply to operate the swing bridge. However, the opening and closing times will be double due to less power being supplied by the diesel generator.




I dun think they are continuing with this yet as our PM is trying to get the full-length bridge thru.........hopefully the bridge materialised :okay:

hihi dont know still got chance to straight the bridge again or not...bcoz l saw the "main TIANG" of the bridge already start pilling work....

U mean the train bridge?i think it shoud built the train swing bridge...bcoz jb sentral is too near the coast.(no enuf space built a smooth gradient train bridge)

it is hard for a train climb 25M high bridge otherwise the train will run like turtle.so i think a swing bridge is need.

Originally posted by xeoc

hihi dont know still got chance to straight the bridge again or not...bcoz l saw the "main TIANG" of the bridge already start pilling work....

U mean the train bridge?i think it shoud built the train swing bridge...bcoz jb sentral is too near the coast.(no enuf space built a smooth gradient train bridge)

it is hard for a train climb 25M high bridge otherwise the train will run like turtle.so i think a swing bridge is need.


hmmmm....PM Abdullah Badawi already req for a stop-work on the bridge so I think the Main tiang for the bridge are made early January/ Dec. :)

As for the train ........there would be a tunnel in place if the current train system are used to cross over to Singapore. In the original plan (with the straight bridge), the train would cross a tunnel and there would be a train station at Kranji in Singapore. ;)

And subsequently, they realised they dont have the money build and maintain the tunnel, so they scraped the idea. :D

WELCOME, xeoc!!

and thanks for the pics!! must damn cool when completed

the universal studios will be near danga bay as well??

no very far..
Universal studios inside the bandar nusajaya

http://www.members.lycos.co.uk/fys3sx/try.JPG
notice the caltex station in the photo.
latest photo :17-3-2004

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gerbang/story_images/ciq/front_elevation.jpg
The caltex oil station belong to part of JB sentral after completed(partial A).

u took that panorama?? nice one!!;)

haha thanx......tyw...

Passed by JB..seeing the construction..wow! And I am also impressed many organisations like EPF, KWSP, Badan Cukai are having hi-rises in the city! The immigration HQ building is pretty nice too! :)

Passed by JB..seeing the construction..wow! And I am also impressed many organisations like EPF, KWSP, Badan Cukai are having hi-rises in the city! The immigration HQ building is pretty nice too! :)

isn't EPF and KWSP the same?

isn't EPF and KWSP the same?
yap.............is same

isn't EPF and KWSP the same?

Why you keep asking weird weird question ah???? :ohno:

Why you keep asking weird weird question ah???? :ohno:

why was it weird?? EPF and KWSP is the same and Baq mentioned them separately. i wanted to know wheather it is the same

why was it weird?? EPF and KWSP is the same and Baq mentioned them separately. i wanted to know wheather it is the same

Hmmm...pardon me for being so ignorant then :D

Hmmm...pardon me for being so ignorant then :D

he he... no prob:)

The LRT will go through JB Sentral??

The LRT will go through JB Sentral??


If they are building it - then yes. All rail transportations would go thru JB Sentral. It would also be future proof as it would have space for additional lines.....just like KL Sentral ;)

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/images/db_progress/331_3175.jpg JB Sentral - Construction of piles, reinforced earth and main drain - Apr 2004

The area
http://img51.photobucket.com/albums/v157/baqthier/gerbang1.jpg

Progress phot sort by month (http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/about_project_progress.html)

Progress phot sort by month (http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/about_project_progress.html)

cool site!! thanks man!!

i like the scrapers in the background
http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/images/db_progress/328_2878.jpg
have any bigger pics of the one in the centre of the pic

I feel that there is one very simple reason why singapore do not want to involve in the construction of the new bridge. The very reason is that if the new bridge is completed, cargo ships or container ships can then be able to pass through the strait. This give a lot of advantages to the Johoreans. The Pasir Gudang port and the PTP Port will become one of the busiest port in the asia. Ships will not pass through singapore port any more (high expenses). And singapore's port will never be one of the busiest port in Asia. What do you think? Most of the people i know think this way too. Government of m'sia may be thinking this way too, but they just keep it quiet in order to keep a good relationship with s'pore.

I feel that there is one very simple reason why singapore do not want to involve in the construction of the new bridge. The very reason is that if the new bridge is completed, cargo ships or container ships can then be able to pass through the strait. This give a lot of advantages to the Johoreans. The Pasir Gudang port and the PTP Port will become one of the busiest port in the asia. Ships will not pass through singapore port any more (high expenses). And singapore's port will never be one of the busiest port in Asia. What do you think? Most of the people i know think this way too. Government of m'sia may be thinking this way too, but they just keep it quiet in order to keep a good relationship with s'pore.

I don't think so. The clearance is not big enough to allow big cargo ships to pass through. It may be true for small ships to commute between PTP and Pasir Gudang.

I feel that there is one very simple reason why singapore do not want to involve in the construction of the new bridge. The very reason is that if the new bridge is completed, cargo ships or container ships can then be able to pass through the strait. This give a lot of advantages to the Johoreans. The Pasir Gudang port and the PTP Port will become one of the busiest port in the asia. Ships will not pass through singapore port any more (high expenses). And singapore's port will never be one of the busiest port in Asia. What do you think? Most of the people i know think this way too. Government of m'sia may be thinking this way too, but they just keep it quiet in order to keep a good relationship with s'pore.


Nope......the proposed bridge wouldn't give container ships or tankers the neccessary clearance as the distance of the Johore Straits is too short. It would only allow smaller boats and pleasure crafts to pass thru.

Furthermore PTP is located at Tanjung Pelepas so ships need not to navigate thru the straits. The time saved from going around Singapore to Pasir Gudang (as in the current situation) doesn't matter much as Singapore isn't that large to begin with. Furthermore the Johore Straits is large enough for ships to navigate.....make u-turns and things like that easily so I dun see a problem with the causeway. :)

The main reason for the bridge (if according to Dr M) is to ensure there is a smooth flowing of water in the straits which is beneficial to the environment. Another is to get rid of the terrible jam at JB because the old CIQ is located at JB's downtown. So it is more beneficial to Malaysia and that is why Spore is reluctant at first to built the bridge. Why do you want to fork out money for something that are not beneficial? :D

The rumours you heard about PTP and Pasir Gudang taking over PSA interms of volume after the bridge is built is absolutely BS. Singapore is a proven hub and its efficientcy is no match at the moment. Furthermore Singapore isn't that far from the two ports and the only thing the Msian ports could triumph over Sg port isthe availability of land and pricing. .....let us all see how it goes....... :sly:

haiz....The bridge halt so long time already...
Abdullah now look very busy....
I think he should immediately visit singapore and negotiate with singapore to settle the problem...IF not 1.5 year later we will have a giant custom but no bridge connect......
Singapore change PM soon...I think abdullah negotiate with MR.goh more ease than MR.LEE ......SO abdullah should faster .
*MR.LEE more KIAM SIAP that MR.GOH

haiz....The bridge halt so long time already...
Abdullah now look very busy....
I think he should immediately visit singapore and negotiate with singapore to settle the problem...IF not 1.5 year later we will have a giant custom but no bridge connect......
Singapore change PM soon...I think abdullah negotiate with MR.goh more ease than MR.LEE ......SO abdullah should faster .
*MR.LEE more KIAM SIAP that MR.GOH


wah.....how you know Lee Hsien Loong more kaim siap than Goh Chok Tong? You knew them personally? :D

No problem having a giant CIQ and still maintain the causeway mah.....at least it still relieve JB of the congestion .....but I really hope to see the construction of the bridge as the causeway is actually a 'temporary' structure built by the British. ;)

The bridge brings many good to the environment and the people :okay:

Nope......the proposed bridge wouldn't give container ships or tankers the neccessary clearance as the distance of the Johore Straits is too short. It would only allow smaller boats and pleasure crafts to pass thru.

Furthermore PTP is located at Tanjung Pelepas so ships need not to navigate thru the straits. The time saved from going around Singapore to Pasir Gudang (as in the current situation) doesn't matter much as Singapore isn't that large to begin with. Furthermore the Johore Straits is large enough for ships to navigate.....make u-turns and things like that easily so I dun see a problem with the causeway. :)

The main reason for the bridge (if according to Dr M) is to ensure there is a smooth flowing of water in the straits which is beneficial to the environment. Another is to get rid of the terrible jam at JB because the old CIQ is located at JB's downtown. So it is more beneficial to Malaysia and that is why Spore is reluctant at first to built the bridge. Why do you want to fork out money for something that are not beneficial? :D

The rumours you heard about PTP and Pasir Gudang taking over PSA interms of volume after the bridge is built is absolutely BS. Singapore is a proven hub and its efficientcy is no match at the moment. Furthermore Singapore isn't that far from the two ports and the only thing the Msian ports could triumph over Sg port isthe availability of land and pricing. .....let us all see how it goes....... :sly:


Yes you may be correct at this point. But there is something even more beneficial for malaysia than singapore, and you should think of that too. Singapore know it well too. Its just that malaysia will use those good reasons as those stated by Dr Mahathir to convince singapore for contructing part of the bridge. Singapore is always smart, if not, singapore would already take part in making part of the project and we would not have waited so long. Who will want an old bridge to stood there for eighty years and continue for there rest of the future generations.
About the land reclaiming in singapore near jurong, the sea between malaysia and singapore is getting narrower and narrower. Singapore is really smart enough.
And according to what Dr mahathir had said last time, those were the only things that he could have said. Something that are beneficial for the both countries but not merely for malaysia only.
Lee Hsien Long is indeed more kiam siap than PM Goh Chok Tong. Most of the JB and singaporean know about these. :)

ya ya ya
Lee hsien long got lee kwang yew DNA...

May progress photo reveal (http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/about_project_progress.html)

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/about/image_history03.jpg

Just look how near it is from Johor to Singapore!!

So...the latest is JB will have a new CIQ but no word on bridge yet rite? I'm all excited abt the new CIQ for sure. Last time I travelled from S'pore to KL by bus through the causeway, I almost choked due to the pollution at the JB Immigration side. Eeks!

hehehehe, choke with dust!!!!

Yes you may be correct at this point. But there is something even more beneficial for malaysia than singapore, and you should think of that too. Singapore know it well too. Its just that malaysia will use those good reasons as those stated by Dr Mahathir to convince singapore for contructing part of the bridge. Singapore is always smart, if not, singapore would already take part in making part of the project and we would not have waited so long. Who will want an old bridge to stood there for eighty years and continue for there rest of the future generations.
About the land reclaiming in singapore near jurong, the sea between malaysia and singapore is getting narrower and narrower. Singapore is really smart enough.
And according to what Dr mahathir had said last time, those were the only things that he could have said. Something that are beneficial for the both countries but not merely for malaysia only.
Lee Hsien Long is indeed more kiam siap than PM Goh Chok Tong. Most of the JB and singaporean know about these. :)



So care to elaborate on the 'mysterious' reasons you've got? :D


I've already pointed out all the major concerns regarding the delay of the bridge and there isn't any hidden agenda. So I've stated the most obvious reason that why Singapore isn't participating - it had absolutely nothing much to benefit the island state except for movement of smaller vessels beneath the bridge but they are not too concern about this petty reason for a bridge that would cost them hundreds of millions. ;)

And this had absolutely nothing to do with any reclaimation at Jurong. Perhaps you're referring to the Tuas and Pulau Tekong reclaimation? ;)

You've been saying Singapore being smart so many times but please state your reasons for saying so. I really have no idea why you said Singapore for being smart but did not have anything credible to back things up :)

And one don't have to be a Johorean or a Singaporean to know Lee Hsein Loong well........and that we all shouldn't judged someone whom are not in office yet - would be unfair for him. :)

....

Alright , i will tell you how i feel about Mr lee (deputy) i watch the way he talk in parliaments, the way he talk, his history and his behaviour. He is on the TV most of them time. Alright szehoong, how many times had you see him talking in TV?? And the way his speech and the way how singaporean feel i dont think you will know. I just dont want to say, thats all. However, singapore is a smart country, thats for sure, they are not stupid, they have plenty of reasons and consequences before taking their first step. Thats it!!

I don't know much about Singaporeans... all I know is that most of them are kiasu and I know the so called 'SMART' people do make mistakes too?! :clown: :rock:

BTW I don't know what's so 'SMART' about delaying to free flow the waters of Tebrau Straits that had been blocked for past decades... :bash:

... and please don't under estimate the so called 'STUPID' people because you'll never know what they can do to you! :weird:

Oh yeah, where are you from?? Johore?? KL?? Or penang?? Singapore?? Had you ever lived in singapore or jb for a least two or three years before?? Do you know anythings or how people in jb and singapore may think.Yes you only know from Newspaper, minister, magazine, you know nothing about what the people there are thinking. Why shall i share my opinions, talk to the people from jb or singapore, then you know how they think of or you can live in singapoe or jb for a bit. The people there think so differently from the governement, dont stick to the news, they may be wrong, ya understand!!! Find it yourself alright, im lazy to write too much, also im not in singapore at times either.


Alright , i will tell you how i feel about Mr lee (deputy) i watch the way he talk in parliaments, the way he talk, his history and his behaviour. He is on the TV most of them time. Alright szehoong, how many times had you see him talking in TV?? And the way his speech and the way how singaporean feel i dont think you will know. I just dont want to say, thats all. However, singapore is a smart country, thats for sure, they are not stupid, they have plenty of reasons and consequences before taking their first step. Thats it!!


I do not appreciate the way you patronises me in your posts. Can't you read where I am from? For crying oput loud....it is written there big-big underneath my avatar....

You underestimated my knowledge of Johor and Singapore. I've got countless relatives, friends and aquiantances from both Johor and Singapore (read: Johorean and Singaporean relatives and friends I have). I read the Strait Times regularly and if I m down south, I do tune in to Singapore channels. I am also an avid reader of Singaporean forums in thw world wide web. Every year, I go to JB and Singapore at least a couple of times. So I don't have to be living in JB or Singapore to know these issues.

Now....why do I have to live in Singapore or JB to know the issues pertaining the bridge or Hsein Loong for that matter? Aren't all Singaporeans and Johoreans got their news thru the same medium as well as KLites or Penangites? Unless you know some govt people that deals directly with foreign affairs or the bridge issue or knew DPM Lee himself, then I do not consider you knowing the issues in depth at all. That means you are just like myself.....got information thru magazines, TV, newspapers, Internet and gossip mills. Oh and I've seen him on TV many times and read most of his speeches too ......

You always say that Singapore is smart....why you kept saying the 'smart' word but failed to mentioned the reasons or whatever that made them 'smart'? I am not denying that they aren't but you do not have anything concrete to back your words up.......

Hmmm.....

I do not appreciate the way you patronises me in your posts. Can't you read where I am from? For crying oput loud....it is written there big-big underneath my avatar....

You underestimated my knowledge of Johor and Singapore. I've got countless relatives, friends and aquiantances from both Johor and Singapore (read: Johorean and Singaporean relatives and friends I have). I read the Strait Times regularly and if I m down south, I do tune in to Singapore channels. I am also an avid reader of Singaporean forums in thw world wide web. Every year, I go to JB and Singapore at least a couple of times. So I don't have to be living in JB or Singapore to know these issues.

Now....why do I have to live in Singapore or JB to know the issues pertaining the bridge or Hsein Loong for that matter? Aren't all Singaporeans and Johoreans got their news thru the same medium as well as KLites or Penangites? Unless you know some govt people that deals directly with foreign affairs or the bridge issue or knew DPM Lee himself, then I do not consider you knowing the issues in depth at all. That means you are just like myself.....got information thru magazines, TV, newspapers, Internet and gossip mills. Oh and I've seen him on TV many times and read most of his speeches too ......

You always say that Singapore is smart....why you kept saying the 'smart' word but failed to mentioned the reasons or whatever that made them 'smart'? I am not denying that they aren't but you do not have anything concrete to back your words up.......

From the day b4 singapore got independent, she was already a smart country. Singapore uses human resources to boost her economy, she has no natural resources, unlike any other countries including malaysia. This one of a simple reason. Too much reasoning will drive yo crazy!!! :) hehe

The competition between s'pore and m'sia is very strong. M'sia does not fully use their human resources up to maximum. By looking at the population in s'pore and m'sia and the GDP growth, you should know that. M'sia can be a very strong country, but definitely not now!! All meant for dicussion purposes only ok, im not arguing with ya!! Szehoong!!

From the day b4 singapore got independent, she was already a smart country. Singapore uses human resources to boost her economy, she has no natural resources, unlike any other countries including malaysia. This one of a simple reason. Too much reasoning will drive yo crazy!!! :) hehe


Before Singapore got her independence, Singapore is relying on the Peninsular as well as it is the port city for Malaya then. You shouldn't separate Singapore from the British Malaya as it is not supposed to be separated. At that time you do not need passport to go Singapore so Singapore isn't solely relying on human capital.

Any joe would know Singapore is resource scare and you dun have to give Malaysia as an example of having resources. True that Malaysia had the land for agriculture and oil but Malaysia's current prosperity is mainly the factor of industrialization and trading. So in this case aren't Malaysia smart too as we too aren't too dependent on natural resources?

Having to depend on human capital isn't what you call 'smart'.....it is called 'no choice'. Yes.....the Singaporean govt is indeed clever at administering the country from a backwater nation to a developed country but you must realised that Singapore had already got the crown colony framework as well as the free-port and the entreport machinery to begin with. All the govt need to do is to invest heavily on its most prized asset - her citizen. You still need to sort out ya definition of smart........

Too much reasoning would drive me crazy??? :? ........what in the world are you talking about? If you've run ouit of reasoning just admit it and spared us of silly things like what you've just said. :D

I do not appreciate the way you patronises me in your posts. Can't you read where I am from? For crying oput loud....it is written there big-big underneath my avatar....

You underestimated my knowledge of Johor and Singapore. I've got countless relatives, friends and aquiantances from both Johor and Singapore (read: Johorean and Singaporean relatives and friends I have). I read the Strait Times regularly and if I m down south, I do tune in to Singapore channels. I am also an avid reader of Singaporean forums in thw world wide web. Every year, I go to JB and Singapore at least a couple of times. So I don't have to be living in JB or Singapore to know these issues.

Now....why do I have to live in Singapore or JB to know the issues pertaining the bridge or Hsein Loong for that matter? Aren't all Singaporeans and Johoreans got their news thru the same medium as well as KLites or Penangites? Unless you know some govt people that deals directly with foreign affairs or the bridge issue or knew DPM Lee himself, then I do not consider you knowing the issues in depth at all. That means you are just like myself.....got information thru magazines, TV, newspapers, Internet and gossip mills. Oh and I've seen him on TV many times and read most of his speeches too ......

You always say that Singapore is smart....why you kept saying the 'smart' word but failed to mentioned the reasons or whatever that made them 'smart'? I am not denying that they aren't but you do not have anything concrete to back your words up.......

From the day b4 singapore got independent, she was already a smart country. Singapore uses human resources to boost her economy, she has no natural resources, unlike any other countries including malaysia. This one of a simple reason.

I don't know much about Singaporeans... all I know is that most of them are kiasu and I know the so called 'SMART' people do make mistakes too?! :clown: :rock:

yes, when you had become part of singapore, you will never notice yourself being kiasu, but indeed most singaporean are kiasu, no kiasu no growth, no improvement!

yes, when you had become part of singapore, you will never notice yourself being kiasu, but indeed most singaporean are kiasu, no kiasu no growth, no improvement!


So breaking bones just for some Hello Kitty dolls at McDonald's are growth & improvements? :lol:

The competition between s'pore and m'sia is very strong. M'sia does not fully use their human resources up to maximum. By looking at the population in s'pore and m'sia and the GDP growth, you should know that. M'sia can be a very strong country, but definitely not now!! All meant for dicussion purposes only ok, im not arguing with ya!! Szehoong!!


No one is ARGUING with ya. You think this is an argument because it is what you perceive this as. I would say this is a healthy debate & discussion. In a debate or a discussion, you need to back up your facts and not saying something as obscure as 'smart'.

SLike I've said in my previous posts, Singapore's ONLY resources are its people so naturally she had to use her people. You are getting round and round here. I've acknowledge it and you keep on harping on the human capital part. Where is this discussion going?

You can't compare Singapore with Malaysia as Sg had embarked on trading wayyyyy long before its independence. It is an entreport for crying out loud and history had shown us that any trading nation thrives and its economy is better than an agrarian country. Malaya mainland was then an agrarian nation and when the British left, we have no great port facilities like Singapore had. Singapore had alwasy been the port and hub of the British Empire in the far east.

The only main thing that the British left us are the processes and machinery of agriculture. Not that agriculture is bad but it doesn't accellerate growth as fast as industrialization and trading. So Malaysia started late as we have more population, more land to developed and little of Industrialization and trading facilities. To developed to what it is today since 20 years ago took some very smart people too. ;)

yes, when you had become part of singapore, you will never notice yourself being kiasu, but indeed most singaporean are kiasu, no kiasu no growth, no improvement!

To talk about growth... well Malaysia and Thailand for instance had better or comparable economic growth than Singapore... and we also experiencing major improvement from the past... but best of all we're still no kiasu nor kiasi !! :bash:

No one is ARGUING with ya. You think this is an argument because it is what you perceive this as. I would say this is a healthy debate & discussion. In a debate or a discussion, you need to back up your facts and not saying something as obscure as 'smart'.

SLike I've said in my previous posts, Singapore's ONLY resources are its people so naturally she had to use her people. You are getting round and round here. I've acknowledge it and you keep on harping on the human capital part. Where is this discussion going?

You can't compare Singapore with Malaysia as Sg had embarked on trading wayyyyy long before its independence. It is an entreport for crying out loud and history had shown us that any trading nation thrives and its economy is better than an agrarian country. Malaya mainland was then an agrarian nation and when the British left, we have no great port facilities like Singapore had. Singapore had alwasy been the port and hub of the British Empire in the far east.

The only main thing that the British left us are the processes and machinery of agriculture. Not that agriculture is bad but it doesn't accellerate growth as fast as industrialization and trading. So Malaysia started late as we have more population, more land to developed and little of Industrialization and trading facilities. To developed to what it is today since 20 years ago took some very smart people too. ;)

Of course, it is you who think youre arguing with me, im not arguing at all, thats why i stated in my previous post!!!! And im the one who feared that youre the one who think that im arguing with you. After all , im stating the truth and indeed they are all completely facts. As i said before, singapore is smart, kiasu and of course intelligent. Their education and the way they educate their students are completely different from those of malaysia. Thats why malaysia had made her changes a few years back, using English as the main language in major examinations. Talking about GDP growth, we have to take GDP growth per capita into account. This is very important and a way to see how a country progress and its growth. Hopefully, you can make some comparisons between m'sia and s'pore since two decade ago.
S'pore has a very perfect strategic location, located at the far end of the continent, but jb as well!! Singapore most depend on their ports for major incomes, jb will be a threat to singapore in coming years. M'sia is improving in no times, whatever malaysia is doing, S'pore will kiasu. S'pore will then be extremely careful before taking any steps further, just like the water issues, the new bridge issue, land reclaiming issues and the white rock island issue.
Two of these issues can be trivials, however it is singapore who took it too seriously. It will never be solved in short terms, but may take years!! One of the reason is that s'pore is smart, they dont do something stupid. And what do you think then?? About this proposal bridge, s'pore perhaps will take a very long time to consider. It isnt easy an issue just like that.

Before Singapore got her independence, Singapore is relying on the Peninsular as well as it is the port city for Malaya then. You shouldn't separate Singapore from the British Malaya as it is not supposed to be separated. At that time you do not need passport to go Singapore so Singapore isn't solely relying on human capital.

Any joe would know Singapore is resource scare and you dun have to give Malaysia as an example of having resources. True that Malaysia had the land for agriculture and oil but Malaysia's current prosperity is mainly the factor of industrialization and trading. So in this case aren't Malaysia smart too as we too aren't too dependent on natural resources?

Having to depend on human capital isn't what you call 'smart'.....it is called 'no choice'. Yes.....the Singaporean govt is indeed clever at administering the country from a backwater nation to a developed country but you must realised that Singapore had already got the crown colony framework as well as the free-port and the entreport machinery to begin with. All the govt need to do is to invest heavily on its most prized asset - her citizen. You still need to sort out ya definition of smart........

Too much reasoning would drive me crazy??? :? ........what in the world are you talking about? If you've run ouit of reasoning just admit it and spared us of silly things like what you've just said. :D

LOoks like youre getting crazy man, if not you wouldnt have say 'what the world are you talking about? If you've run out of reasoning just admit it and spares us ..... ( its you only man!!).... of silly things.... (if silly i wouldnt have said so) ..... like what you've just said. ' Man, i just said one!!! :dizzy:

Double hmmmm....

Malaysia ultimately will win the game!!! Slow, but strong!!!

Of course, it is you who think youre arguing with me, im not arguing at all, thats why i stated in my previous post!!!! And im the one who feared that youre the one who think that im arguing with you. After all , im stating the truth and indeed they are all completely facts. As i said before, singapore is smart, kiasu and of course intelligent. Their education and the way they educate their students are completely different from those of malaysia. Thats why malaysia had made her changes a few years back, using English as the main language in major examinations. Talking about GDP growth, we have to take GDP growth per capita into account. This is very important and a way to see how a country progress and its growth. Hopefully, you can make some comparisons between m'sia and s'pore since two decade ago.
S'pore has a very perfect strategic location, located at the far end of the continent, but jb as well!! Singapore most depend on their ports for major incomes, jb will be a threat to singapore in coming years. M'sia is improving in no times, whatever malaysia is doing, S'pore will kiasu. S'pore will then be extremely careful before taking any steps further, just like the water issues, the new bridge issue, land reclaiming issues and the white rock island issue.
Two of these issues can be trivials, however it is singapore who took it too seriously. It will never be solved in short terms, but may take years!! One of the reason is that s'pore is smart, they dont do something stupid. And what do you think then?? About this proposal bridge, s'pore perhaps will take a very long time to consider. It isnt easy an issue just like that.


Looks like you're the one who brought up the word 'argue'. You said it first so you must be thinking about no matter how you denied that. I've always treat these kind debate as a healthy one. Have you heard of this saying - "Siapa yang makan cili dia lah rasa pedas" ? Well.....if you do not understand then get someone to translate that for ya ;)

Your argument holds no water........'smart, kiasu and intelligent' are NOT facts. Anyone Tom, Dick and Harry could say they are smart & intelligent but are they? How to prove it?

You can't say that the Malaysian education is no good and now we're all using English for major examinations. Our education system emphasises on Malay Language which is our National Language. We communicate more in Malay than English on grassroot level just like the Thais. Singapore is different as the govt encourages the learning of English from the very start. Yes......most if not all Singaporeans are bilingual but the only unifying language for them is English. In Malaysia we have to languages that most people know - English and Malay. So if you're an ethnic Chinese or Indian, you're probably a trilingual.

The use of English had always dominate tertiary education. So all our tertiary major examinations are in English while secondary education ones only had 2 subjects in English. Only 2 years back that they start reintroducing science and maths in English. We still learn other major subjects in Malay. Do not forget that Malay language is the fourth largest spoken language in the world.So having to master Malay isn't something bad.

I am not talking about GDP lah. I am talking about how Singapore had the 'unfair advantage' (which is a good thing in case you misunderstood), in industrialization and trading.

Location-wise isn't that important if you're anywhere around the Malay Peninsular. As long as there is a good port with good connections ( a hub ), then any port would bound to succeed. History taught us that Malacca & Acheh are thriving ports eventhough it is not located at the tip of the peninsular.

"White Rock Island" :lol: .......direct translation from Malay rite? :D It is known as Pedra Branca in international term ;)

You still have not state your reasoning for the bridge yet.......just saying Singapore is smart or careful is not good as you;re not addressing the issue head on. :)

Looks like you're the one who brought up the word 'argue'. You said it first so you must be thinking about no matter how you denied that. I've always treat these kind debate as a healthy one. Have you heard of this saying - "Siapa yang makan cili dia lah rasa pedas" ? Well.....if you do not understand then get someone to translate that for ya ;)

Your argument holds no water........'smart, kiasu and intelligent' are NOT facts. Anyone Tom, Dick and Harry could say they are smart & intelligent but are they? How to prove it?

You can't say that the Malaysian education is no good and now we're all using English for major examinations. Our education system emphasises on Malay Language which is our National Language. We communicate more in Malay than English on grassroot level just like the Thais. Singapore is different as the govt encourages the learning of English from the very start. Yes......most if not all Singaporeans are bilingual but the only unifying language for them is English. In Malaysia we have to languages that most people know - English and Malay. So if you're an ethnic Chinese or Indian, you're probably a trilingual.

The use of English had always dominate tertiary education. So all our tertiary major examinations are in English while secondary education ones only had 2 subjects in English. Only 2 years back that they start reintroducing science and maths in English. We still learn other major subjects in Malay. Do not forget that Malay language is the fourth largest spoken language in the world.So having to master Malay isn't something bad.

I am not talking about GDP lah. I am talking about how Singapore had the 'unfair advantage' (which is a good thing in case you misunderstood), in industrialization and trading.

Location-wise isn't that important if you're anywhere around the Malay Peninsular. As long as there is a good port with good connections ( a hub ), then any port would bound to succeed. History taught us that Malacca & Acheh are thriving ports eventhough it is not located at the tip of the peninsular.

"White Rock Island" :lol: .......direct translation from Malay rite? :D It is known as Pedra Branca in international term ;)

You still have not state your reasoning for the bridge yet.......just saying Singapore is smart or careful is not good as you;re not addressing the issue head on. :)
Yes, it is a translation made by the government of singapore, it sound ridiculous to you, because you dont even know this name at ALL!!! You should be thanking me for telling you this! :nono:

If youre in Singapore, i dont think you even stand a chance to speak for yourself. Because youre just a typical malaysian!!

Hmm...this debate becoming close to another debate I came across before in this forum before...:ohno:

Yes, it is a translation made by the government of singapore, it sound ridiculous to you, because you dont even know this name at ALL!!! You should be thanking me for telling you this! :nono:


Oh hello?!?!?! Pedra Branca had been used by the British for a LONG LONG time liao lah! Go look into your history books first! Pulau Batu Putih is the local call for that rock islet. I am very well versed in general knowledge so please do not insult me like this okay. I do not need to thank you nor the Sg govt for telling me what Pedra Branca is ....... :ohno:

If youre in Singapore, i dont think you even stand a chance to speak for yourself. Because youre just a typical malaysian!!


What the hell are you saying? Typical Malaysian? Where in my posts I did sound so 'typical' for you? Just bacause you're not too good with your knowledge of current affairs and general knowledge, you can't blame a well-informed Malaysian for being who he/she is.

If you've been exhausted of points to debate already please admit and stop personal attacks like this. It ain't do you no good :no:

Hmm...this debate becoming close to another debate I came across before in this forum before...:ohno:


No triple "Hmmm"s ? :D

you gotta grow up and think before you say something...you apprently proved yourself to be immature and a lil wacked who thinks she/he is smarter than others and seems to think Singapore is superior than Malaysia...dude, no one is superior than the other...and the you just plunged yourself deep into the ground by insulting 'Malaysians'...chill out.

Hmm...this debate becoming close to another debate I came across before in this forum before...:ohno:


There are so many debates liao......which one you talking bout? :D .....There are actually some pretty ugly ones too :lol:

you gotta grow up and think before you say something...you apprently proved yourself to be immature and a lil wacked who thinks she/he is smarter than others and seems to think Singapore is superior than Malaysia...dude, no one is superior than the other...and the you just plunged yourself deep into the ground by insulting 'Malaysians'...chill out.


Yea....especially now that most Singaporeans and Malaysians are warming to each other already......there is no room for such immature remarks..... :)

There are so many debates liao......which one you talking bout? :D .....There are actually some pretty ugly ones too :lol:

Ada la...;)

you gotta grow up and think before you say something...you apprently proved yourself to be immature and a lil wacked who thinks she/he is smarter than others and seems to think Singapore is superior than Malaysia...dude, no one is superior than the other...and the you just plunged yourself deep into the ground by insulting 'Malaysians'...chill out.

Youre from america ya!? Come on man, im not insulting malaysia. Dont get the wrong meaning.

Yea....especially now that most Singaporeans and Malaysians are warming to each other already......there is no room for such immature remarks..... :)

Singaporeans and malaysians are always in good relations, its the government that is not.

you gotta grow up and think before you say something...you apprently proved yourself to be immature and a lil wacked who thinks she/he is smarter than others and seems to think Singapore is superior than Malaysia...dude, no one is superior than the other...and the you just plunged yourself deep into the ground by insulting 'Malaysians'...chill out.

This is what you have to tell me? Ya A Totally Looser.

Szehoong, we chinese have to be strong enough. We being a MALAYSIAN chinese must be even stronger and alert. Hope that you get what i mean. This is what i have to tell you.

Szehoong, we chinese have to be strong enough. We being a MALAYSIAN chinese must be even stronger and alert. Hope that you get what i mean. This is what i have to tell you.

No one will take you seriously if you keep harping on that issue. It will upset people here.

Szehoong, we chinese have to be strong enough. We being a MALAYSIAN chinese must be even stronger and alert. Hope that you get what i mean. This is what i have to tell you.

I am so tempted not to involve with the argument between the 2 of you but I have to say that the above sentence sounded so racially and full of hatred.

Szehoong, we chinese have to be strong enough. We being a MALAYSIAN chinese must be even stronger and alert. Hope that you get what i mean. This is what i have to tell you.

What does that have to do with any of your so-called argument in this thread?

Precisely..precisely what I'm trying to say...

This thread is amazing - amazing that it hasn't been raised in a more heated manner earlier (perhaps it has and I missed it). All I can say is this: Singapore's relative success from time to time and its faster economic development compared to M'sia is simply a matter of efficiency: their economy is more efficient and better managed, and is closer to world's best practice (but not necessarily world's best) in most key aspects of the economy - manufacturing and services (but surprisingly still lagging many developed countries in the provision of services and finding it hard to move up the value chain out of manufacturing), the use of technology in the economy, more transparency in the marketplace, more vigorous rule of law (with well-observed anomalies arguably associated with the ruling elite), relatively freer flow of information, funds and human capital, etc. It is not about smart, or not smart! It's about degrees of efficiency. The obvious implication is that Malaysia's economy is less efficient for all sorts of reasons.

To be honest, the connection that S'poreans and M'sians (and let's be open and honest here - particularly many M'sian Chinese) have is unlike our connections with other types of people - no matter where you go in the world, the M'sian/S'porean accent conveys a sense of familiarity that you won't find anywhere else. As a M'sian based overseas, that's my experience.

This thread is amazing - amazing that it hasn't been raised in a more heated manner earlier (perhaps it has and I missed it). All I can say is this: Singapore's relative success from time to time and its faster economic development compared to M'sia is simply a matter of efficiency: their economy is more efficient and better managed, and is closer to world's best practice (but not necessarily world's best) in most key aspects of the economy - manufacturing and services (but surprisingly still lagging many developed countries in the provision of services and finding it hard to move up the value chain out of manufacturing), the use of technology in the economy, more transparency in the marketplace, more vigorous rule of law (with well-observed anomalies arguably associated with the ruling elite), relatively freer flow of information, funds and human capital, etc. It is not about smart, or not smart! It's about degrees of efficiency. The obvious implication is that Malaysia's economy is less efficient for all sorts of reasons.




Precisely that's what I am trying to say........but I would like to add that Singapore had a headstart as a British Crown Colony and an entreport. Yes....the Sg govt after independence did a good job by not only maintaining its lead in the region but also by improvising leaps and bound. ;)

But Malaysia is slowly gaining momentum and yes.......getting more and more efficient thru time. Apart from that, our govt is getting lesser conservative and less corrupt.....which is essential in gaining momentum as the leading trading nation in the region ;)

To be honest, the connection that S'poreans and M'sians (and let's be open and honest here - particularly many M'sian Chinese) have is unlike our connections with other types of people - no matter where you go in the world, the M'sian/S'porean accent conveys a sense of familiarity that you won't find anywhere else. As a M'sian based overseas, that's my experience.


hmmm....true...true.....I notice that when travelling as well. I was once at Sydney's airport and there is this family speaking in Singlish/Manglish so I guess they might be from Malaysia/Singapore....can't tell em apart....even when listening to their conversation! :D

That is the only true 'connection' Msian Chinese and Sporean Chinese have in common ;) But then again......I can't also tell the difference between a Msian Malay and Sporean Malay also hehehe :D

So I guess Singaporeans and Malaysians have a lot more in common than differences which many tends to ignore ;)

What does that have to do with any of your so-called argument in this thread?


She's getting seriously outta topic already by raising racial sentiments. I dun see a point by bringing that out :? :no:

I am so tempted not to involve with the argument between the 2 of you but I have to say that the above sentence sounded so racially and full of hatred.

Yea......she's just running out of argument and when people ran out of ideas what do they do? They do and say crazy things! :ohno:

Szehoong, we chinese have to be strong enough. We being a MALAYSIAN chinese must be even stronger and alert. Hope that you get what i mean. This is what i have to tell you.


This is absolutely not neccessary and uncalled for to raise racial sentiments in an international forum. Your words would offend people and please do not say such things again - free speech? yes...but do it within a harmonious context and not to stirred up trouble. I won't be hesistate to have you brigged should this happened again and let this be served as a warning :no:

She :? I didn't realised that...

This is absolutely not neccessary and uncalled for to raise racial sentiments in an international forum. Your words would offend people and please do not say such things again - free speech? yes...but do it within a harmonious context and not to stirred up trouble. I won't be hesistate to have you brigged should this happened again and let this be served as a warning :no:

Szehoong, WAKE UP!!! Everyone knows about that, i did not offend anyone. You dont have to warn me. Did i offended you or something, why you seemed so work out for!! Cool down alright. Take a deep breath!! :) Since you said when i have no words, I wouldnt want to waste my time talking to you anymore, youre no different than a blank piece of paper. :tongue:

Hmm....I guess that will be the end of this debate then. :ohno: It doesn't end in a way it suppose to be.

Szehoong, WAKE UP!!! Everyone knows about that, i did not offend anyone. You dont have to warn me. Did i offended you or something, why you seemed so work out for!! Cool down alright. Take a deep breath!! :) Since you said when i have no words, I wouldnt want to waste my time talking to you anymore, youre no different than a blank piece of paper. :tongue:


No you did not offend me BUT you did to others. If you didn't offend anyone why would others bother to post? Why everyone here had the opinion that you're raising racial sentiments here? Take a look at other's comments before you open your mouth again. You seemed to ignore what others said and always target at me. As a moderator here I DO have to warn you of your misbehaviour........ I don't care if an issue is well-known or not but as long as it touches sensitive stuffs, you're NOT ALLOWED to express it here.....do you comprehend?

Me? worked out? You must be kidding......I mean look at your post - full of exclamation marks! :D So now you tell me who is the one who is the one being worked-out here? :lol:

Now this is the second warning....no more personal insult directed at me or others. I am being nice to ya so just play along now and please do not cost anymore trouble.......

Hmm....I guess that will be the end of this debate then. :ohno: It doesn't end in a way it suppose to be.


No it is not ending......... some people with limited understanding of things tend to go round and round until they fall off..........:D

And this is not a fairy tale where everyone "lives happily ever after" :lol:

Well...Shrek can do that what...so can we ;)

Well...Shrek can do that what...so can we ;)


But at least Shrek is cute, funny and green! :D And he doesn't go around poking with sensitive stuffs and talk nonsense :lol:

hmmm..cause his dialog happen to be like that mah..if not :? what will happen :D

Hes saying himself.

Hes saying himself.


And what does that supposed to mean?

Nice debate :) !!HaHa....i think we should open a new thread specially for debating.
I can't figure out why we should debate about "X country is better than Y country" or so on........it is no point for us to debate or argue about it right? We should work hard and always improving ourselves even we are strong/better or not strong.Just let our politicians to solve any problem which is not in our ability.
Why don't we think and talk about some social's problem which is a Hot Topic recently?
Anyway....i hope what i mention above will not offend anyone.

Nice debate :) !!HaHa....i think we should open a new thread specially for debating.
I can't figure out why we should debate about "X country is better than Y country" or so on........it is no point for us to debate or argue about it right? We should work hard and always improving ourselves even we are strong/better or not strong.Just let our politicians to solve any problem which is not in our ability.
Why don't we think and talk about some social's problem which is a Hot Topic recently?
Anyway....i hope what i mention above will not offend anyone.


well........there are a lot of 'debating' threads out there actually ;)

No need to open one......just that a 'hot topic' would naturally invite debates and arguments.

In fact there is no wrong in arguing or debating on certain topics. One gained more knowledge in a healthy debate. This one IMO isn't healthy as this person kept on harping on 'Country X' being 'clever' without substantial facts or argument to back things up. Then this person got so worked out dunno for what. :?


Last year we have some debates (or arguments as some might put it as) with some Singaporean forumers on water issues, Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Putih ( a certain forumer here literally translate it to "White Rock Island" :lol: ) ,land reclaimation issue and the bridge across the Tebrau Straits. But we're discussing and debating on a more healtier terms and everything are discuss and presented tastefully. I even got to met a few of them. So if things are discussed and debated tastefully, we won't see it as a heated argument. In any debate, one must be sporting and willing to admit mistakes. Most importantly (as I've learned from this one) is that never to present crappy statements - it would just invite more flaks from other :D



I understand that we should work hard etc etc....to be a better nation but if there isn't any opinion to be debated on - how are we gonna achive our ambitions? By working hard alone won't guarantee success but working smart does :okay: ....if there's not debate or arguments - we won't have opinions from different perspectives and we won't be able to pinpoint the weakness and flaws. Yea....politicians should do their job but if they do not get any input from the citizens they can't. :)

If you think there are some social problem worth mentioning - why dun you start a thread on such topic? Afterall we're all in a forum to see, look, discuss and debate :D

This would be a very boring forum if it is just full of pictures and nothing to discuss ;) ....not that I am inviting anyone to argue or debate but imagine everyone is here to see pictures and read newspaper articles posted here - pretty dull isn't it? ;)

Take it cool and easy.....hope you enjoy this forum! ;)

JULY 5, 2004
Talks after S'pore leadership change

KOTA TINGGI - Talks on a proposed new bridge to replace the Johor Causeway would most likely be held after the transition of power in Singapore, Malaysia's Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said yesterday.

The change in leadership, from Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong to his deputy Lee Hsien Loong, was expected to have major implications for bilateral negotiations on many outstanding issues, he said.

'I believe the country's leaders would pursue the matter with the new Singapore leaders as negotiations on bilateral issues are done at the highest level between both governments,' he said after attending an Umno party meeting here.

Malaysia had announced in February that it was halting construction on the bridge which was to replace its side of the Causeway.

This came after a re-evaluation by administration officials and several Umno politicians on the value of building a half-bridge that would not only be an eyesore but also convey a wrong message to future generations of Malaysians and Singaporeans.

Gerbang Perdana, the project developer, had recently urged both governments to make a decision on the bridge.

Datuk Seri Syed Hamid said that after an understanding has been reached by both countries' leaders, their senior officials would work on the details. -- Bernama

Copyright @ 2004 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

http://members.lycos.co.uk/fys3sx/photo/GSB2.JPG

So shiok lah u XEOC! That's a great update :eek:

I hope you could update us more on other JB stuffs like JB walk and stuffs :)

JULY 21, 2004
No talks yet on bridge at Causeway
Singapore waiting for Malaysia's proposals, says Prof Jayakumar

By Sue-Ann Chia

SINGAPORE is not in any negotiations with Malaysia over a new bridge to replace the Causeway and has not received proposals from Kuala Lumpur on this or other outstanding bilateral issues, said Foreign Affairs Minister S. Jayakumar.

'Once we get them, we will study them in good faith and we will come up with our response,' he told Parliament yesterday.

'But as I have said so before, we can reach agreement only if the proposal is fair and if there is a balance of benefits on both sides.'

He was responding to Dr Ong Chit Chung (Jurong GRC), chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, who asked if negotiations on the bridge had begun.

Prof Jayakumar told the House that the bridge was just one of a number of outstanding bilateral issues which Singapore is waiting for Malaysia to reply to with its proposals.

'The position is that there have been no talks between the ministries, and we have not received any proposals,' he said.

He reminded the House of what was last agreed upon by the two sides. He noted that when Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi visited Singapore in January, PM Goh Chok Tong explained that he preferred to refer the 'dead knot' bilateral issues to third parties so that both sides could move on.

But Datuk Seri Abdullah wanted to give negotiations another try. Mr Goh agreed.

The understanding reached was that he would reply to Mr Goh with specific proposals on how to resolve these issues.

It was also agreed that these proposals would be discussed first at the prime ministers' level, Prof Jayakumar said.

But over the months, the Malaysian papers had been carrying reports that plans for a crooked bridge connecting to the Causeway were now being re-looked and Singapore's cooperation was being sought to build a straight bridge instead.

Pointing to these reports, Dr Ong rose to pose another question. He said he was 'puzzled' by such reports claiming both parties were already in talks over the bridge. Was it to pressure Singapore to agree or part of politicking, he asked.

Prof Jayakumar replied: 'We should not speculate. We should not be distracted by media reports, and we will respond to proposals made officially by their government.'

He noted that Malaysia knows Singapore's position on the bridge issue.

Singapore had reluctantly agreed to the demolition of the Causeway and to build its part of the bridge, as part of a package deal that covered several bilateral issues.

But Malaysia called off the package in October 2002.

For Singapore to build its part of the full bridge along with immigration-related revisions would cost over $500 million and will also sterilise use of land under the bridge, he noted.

'With the package off, we really need to know what is being proposed by Malaysia that would justify our agreeing to build our side of the bridge at such considerable cost,' he said.

Dr Ong also asked what would happen if there was no agreement reached in the end. To this, Prof Jayakumar noted that the two prime ministers had said they would seek third-party help.

But Prof Jayakumar added that what was important now was that bilateral relations had improved and that 'there is a warmer tone when ministers and officials meet'.

He quoted Datuk Seri Abdullah who also said recently, as quoted in a Bernama report on July 13, that bilateral relations are good and both sides will be able to resolve bilateral difficulties.

The Malaysian PM also said he was optimistic progress would be made and it was in the interest of both sides to resolve the issues.

'I would say that I share the optimism of Prime Minister Abdullah,' said Prof Jayakumar.

But he noted that Malaysian parliamentary secretary (foreign affairs) Dato Zainal Abidin Osman recently said in the Malaysian Parliament that its government needed time to make detailed preparations before coming to the negotiating table.

Dato Zainal also indicated that negotiations between both countries will be held as soon as possible.

Said Prof Jayakumar: 'We do want to get on with our bilateral relations with Malaysia. We are prepared to consider the proposals when we receive them. But I think we have to be patient.

'We must not underestimate the difficulties in unravelling these left-over dead knots.'

Copyright @ 2004 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

Has consruction actually started?By reading all these articles it sounds like the bridge wont b completed till far future!

Just read the newspaper today, the longest bridge in the world will be completed in 2007, a part of the highway from senai airport to desaru. This highway will cut through major highways in jb city.

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/ciqJul04.jpg
http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/376_7671.jpg

New photo (http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/about_project_progress.html)

Customs,Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ Complex )

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/june/ciq_0604.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/ciqJul04.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/420_2081.jpg

JOHOR BAHRU SENTRAL ( JBS )

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/june/jbs_0604.jpg

Aerial view CIQ Complexs May 2004

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

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/aerialICIQ.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/aerialICW01.jpg




Customs,Immigrationand Quarantine (CIQ) Complex :
some stylishs

Erection of Roof
http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/0204_3.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/june/376_7642.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/376_7671.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/419_1916.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/419_1932.jpg



Road and Railway Bridges :
Inspection of rock filling works
October 2003

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

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

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/0204_7.jpg



works are in progress.
JB behind

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/306_0647.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/328_2891.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/328_2878.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/june/348_4801.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/interchange1.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/Img_2570.jpg

Diverting traffic to save RM700m CIQ complex
Ravi Nambiar

JOHOR BARU, SEPT 30:

Now that the second bridge across the Straits of Tebrau is no longer a priority, the State Government is looking at a new road system to ensure the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex here does not become a white elephant.
The RM700 million CIQ complex which is due for completion by late this year, is a dedicated building designed to handle traffic to and from Singapore via the bridge.

But should the elevated bridge fail to materialise, especially with Singapore's silence on Malaysia's proposal to build a straight bridge, there is some fear the CIQ complex would become redundant.

To prevent this from happening, the Public Works Department (PWD) is now looking at ways to realign the existing road system to divert all traffic to and from the Causeway to the CIQ complex.

Under this contingency plan, an artery of new roads would also be built to make it possible for traffic to go through the new CIQ complex.

Highly placed sources close to the PWD and the project contractor — Gerbang Perdana Sdn Bhd — said the Johor State Government had given the nod for this standby plan.

Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman was the first to sound the alarm about the fate of the CIQ complex, saying it was in real danger of becoming a white elephant.

"Work is nearing completion on the project. If construction of the bridge does not start soon, the CIQ complex would become useless and the Government will have a hard time explaining why so much money was spent on a project that is of no use to the people," he said on Aug 12.

The urgency to find ways to put the CIQ complex to good use has been exacerbated by the Prime Minister's recent statement that the bridge to replace the causeway is among several Federal projects put on hold.

Responding, Abdul Ghani said this had reinforced the need for a temporary access road for vehicles from Singapore to enter the CIQ complex.

Although work on the CIQ is progressing at a feverish pace, construction of the bridge itself has come to a complete standstill.

Called Southern Integrated Gateway, the RM2.5 billion CIQ, bridge and related road network is an integral part of Johor's plans to put in place a modern and efficient traffic disposal system for Johor Baru.

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad mooted the idea of replacing the Causeway with a bridge when he visited Johor in July 1996.

When the water issue was separated from the package of issues negotiated between Malaysia and Singapore in October 2002, Singapore called off its plans for the new bridge.

Malaysia then opted to go it alone by building a curved "half-bridge''.

Singapore later said it was willing to work with Malaysia on the new bridge, but only if it was included in a package of bilateral issues to be discussed.

Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Dr Tony Tan was quoted as saying last year that the republic was willing to discuss the idea.

this thing is gonna be BIG!!! men~ :uh: :eek: you go JB!!! u rockz!!! :rock:

keep updatin thiz babi~ im lovin it~ :okay:

keep updatin thiz babi~ im lovin it~ :okay:
"BABI"????? pig??I am not pig but i will update it. :)

Sept Photo
http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/464_6413.jpg Progress of Roof erection

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/463_6368.jpg
CIQ Complexs Sept 2004

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/U5Sept.jpg
Excavation works & concreting for Underpass 5

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/BR1sept.jpg
Pier for Bridge 1

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/100_0033.jpg
Demolition of Tanjung Puteri Bridge

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/100_0012.jpg
Demolition of Hotel Malaya

Progress Review

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/02.jpg DEC 2003

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/0204_2.jpg FEB 2004

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/317_1726a.jpg MAR 2004

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/328_2891.jpg APR 2004

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/aerialICIQ.jpg MAY 2004

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/june/ciq_0604.jpg JUN 2004

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/ciqJul04.jpg JUL 2004

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/420_2081.jpg AUG 2004

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/463_6368.jpg SEP 2004

I think he means 'baby' ...at least I hope so :P
In the back of my mind, I think I heard somewhere that they're going to widen the causeway in lieu of a bridge...perhaps they might simply extend the causeway to the CIQ but have a smaller building right where the old building is to cater for pedestrians...

Saw the new custom building today(7/11/04)....(no pictures though.....:cry: )....Any official opening date yet??.....Pass through the old custom today.no offence but it was absolutely crowded and packed....:eek: ........

Wednesday November 10, 2004
Gerbang Perdana sells bonds to fund customs complex

CONSTRUCTION firm Gerbang Perdana CIQ Sdn Bhd plans to sell RM1.7bil of bonds to fund an immigration and customs complex in Johor.

Gerbang began selling the zero-coupon debt yesterday, issuing RM340mil of three-year notes and RM222mil of four-year securities, finance executive Yap V-Run said in a phone interview in Kuala Lumpur.

The bonds are ranked AAA by Malaysian Rating Corp. CIMB Bhd and Alliance Merchant Bank Bhd are handling the sale, according to a statement from the rating company.

The immigration building is scheduled for completion in October next year. Gerbang, a privately held company, is 20% owned by DRB-HICOM Bhd. – Bloomberg

© 1995-2004 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

Road To Link New KIK Complex To The Old Complex


JOHOR BAHARU, Nov 2 (Bernama) -- The contractor for the Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu project for the new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (KIK) complex at Bukit Chagar fears that it would become a "white elephant" if construction of the bridge to replace the Johor Causeway is delayed.

As such, Gerbang Perdana Sdn Bhd (GBSB) has suggested that the government builds a one-kilometre road linking the old KIK complex at the Johor Causeway to the new one costing more than RM2.5 billion at Bukit Chagar to overcome the problem.

GBSB had made the suggestion to the Public Works Department (PWD) at the request of the PWD to enable the KIK complex to start operations at the end of 2005, said GPSB Operations Director Rostam Razali in an interview with Bernama at his office recently.

Negotiations between the governments of Malaysia and Singapore on the construction of the new bridge was still ongoing, he said.

However, he said the GBSB proposal was still at the discussion stage with the PWD and so far there had been no decision.

"If the proposal is accepted by the government, the Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu project including the KIK Complex, which is now 52 per cent complete, will be operational according to schedule next year," he said.

All works on the project were now progressing smoothly as scheduled except for the "stop work" order on the bridge from the government, Rostam said.

He said another important issue which could possibly delay the completion date for the project was the relocation of pipelines belonging to the Public Utilities Board (PUB) of Singapore from the project site.

"The relocation of the pipelines is very important because although we expect the KIK Complex to be ready next year, the project will be delayed if the pipes are not relocated.

"The matter is still being negotiated (by both parties) because it involves the water agreement between Malaysia and Singapore as well as who will bear the cost of relocating the pipes," he said.

The KIK Complex will accommodate 15 government departments including the Royal Malaysian Customs, Immigration Department and the Royal Malaysia Police.

Besides the KIK Complex, the Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu project will also involve the construction of the JB Sentral public transport terminal, a railway bridge and deepening of the Johor Straits to enable ships up to 4,000 DWT to pass under the bridge.

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/nov/merge-ciq-con.jpgFirst indoor view.

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/nov/492_9248.jpg
http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/nov/BR1Nov04.jpg
http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/nov/ciqNov04.jpg

Is that JB sentral?..the construction is moving fast;)

In the name of progress
by hafizia

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/46/Dscf1123.jpg

Approaching Johor Bahru

http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/pics/data/media/46/Dscf1122.jpg

Dec 2004

Kompleks Pemeriksaan Imigresen Kastam dan Kuarantin (CIQ)

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/dec/514_1476.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/dec/iciq-back.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/dec/518_1859.jpg

JOHOR BAHRU SENTRAL ( JBS )

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/dec/514_1498.jpg

Dang u guys!!....I have been reading all those comments by y'all, and what do I notice; a sense of stereotypical ideas stemming from the media and nurture. I am born Malaysian, lived in JB and spent a good number of years being educated in Singapore. Being in Vancouver for the past decade or so, I have come to love both places and their peoples as I've made frequent trips back. Yes, Malaysia is indeed less competitive in its economy, but this kinda laid-back pace of life does not mean it's all bad. Perhaps that is why Singaporeans like to cross the border for vacations there due to its hecticness? And for Malaysia, buck u, get in shape to compete internationally. We are a global player now. So from my stance, Singapore and Malaysia should work together to improve their competitiveness. We don't really have a choice, we are deeply connected geographically, culturally and economically. One thing that Malaysia has to improve, may be a taboo still, but please, no more bumiputera policies, be fair for all. One day I would like to see an Indian or a Japanese Malaysian Prime Minister....fruit for thought???

One thing that Malaysia has to improve, may be a taboo still, but please, no more bumiputera policies, be fair for all. One day I would like to see an Indian or a Japanese Malaysian Prime Minister....fruit for thought???

First of all ....a warm welcome to you! :wave:

Political taboos aren't always that easy to be removed. The Bumiputera policies are born due to the May 13 incident which is still fresh in most minds although it is decades ago. :(

One need a deep sense and knowledge of political understanding before commenting on its removal. I am not assuming that you do not know much and that I know a lot but the Malaysian political scene is an extremely complicated one (even our monarchy system is a complicated one as well). As this is not a political forum so I would refrain from going deeper here ;)

Hi Szehoong thanks to u and all the others for updating what's back at home. I am always impressed and enlightened about the pictures, news and event-reports. Thanks again and good job!! Yup and I understand about politics in Malaysia.....what I had stated before, is something I'd like to see eventually in Malaysia....hence fruit for thought. :)

Hi Szehoong thanks to u and all the others for updating what's back at home. I am always impressed and enlightened about the pictures, news and event-reports. Thanks again and good job!! Yup and I understand about politics in Malaysia.....what I had stated before, is something I'd like to see eventually in Malaysia....hence fruit for thought. :)


Its our pleasure to be of help :)

Yea....we all had our dreams. But lets be practical here. The only way a truly Malaysian could be a PM is when we all crossed the barrier where we do not address ourselves with ethnicity. I don't see that happening in the near future. Again this is also a fruit for thought for many whom championed for different ethnicity to be the PM. IMO we must first overcome the etnicity divisions first :)

Its our pleasure to be of help :)

Yea....we all had our dreams. But lets be practical here. The only way a truly Malaysian could be a PM is when we all crossed the barrier where we do not address ourselves with ethnicity. I don't see that happening in the near future. Again this is also a fruit for thought for many whom championed for different ethnicity to be the PM. IMO we must first overcome the etnicity divisions first :)
so true! when will we have a malaysian school? instead of chinese ed.. english ed.. or malay school..tamil school..

WELLCOME TO THE FORUM VINCE :)

Thank you sugizm, I'm thrilled to be here ;)

youre welcome!

Thank you sugizm, I'm thrilled to be here ;)
u're wellcome :) do enjoy ur stay here ~

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//story_images/pinfo_masterplan03.jpg
New design website http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my
I think it is still under contruction.

it has a futuristic design!! cool;)

it has a futuristic design!! cool;)
yalo, look like an alien base.

Jan 2005
Kompleks Pemeriksaan Imigresen Kastam dan Kuarantin (CIQ)

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-01/CIQ-Jan05.jpg

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

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-01/LV-S-Jan05.jpg

JOHOR BAHRU SENTRAL ( JBS )

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-01/JBS-02(1).jpg

Interchange 1

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-01/ICW01.jpg

Box girder works at bridge

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-01/BoxBR1.jpg

So they're still building the checkpoint? so what would happen when they reach Causeway?:?

So they're still building the checkpoint? so what would happen when they reach Causeway?:?

Wey, come to JB and see lar then you will know what will happen loh.

So they're still building the checkpoint? so what would happen when they reach Causeway?:?


Well......there are work in progress to connect the new checkpoint to the causeway because there isn't any concrete go-ahead for the bridge yet which the checkpoint is most suited for ;)

Wey, come to JB and see lar then you will know what will happen loh.

Can lor, you sponsor my trip la! :D:D:D:jk:

Last Month

Johor Bahru - Johor Bahru MP, Datuk Shahrir Samad called on the government to scrap the proposed new bridge to replace the Johor causeway and terminate the KTM Berhad rail service into Singapore.

He said, the Malaysian government would have a simpler time negotiating outstanding issues with the republic without the bridge project and the railway service.

Speaking to newsmen, Datuk Shahrir said, if the RM1 billion bridge project was cancelled and the KTMB service ends in Johor Bahru, the Malaysia-Singapore talks could be conducted in a better atmosphere and Malaysia would not be seen to be making most of the demands.

The funds that would be spent on the new bridge he said, could be better used to develop and upgrade the infrustructure in Johor Bahru such as the Johor Bahru-Pasir Gudang Highway, Jalan Tampoi, Jalan Tebrau and a second bridge between Permas Jaya and Kampung Bakar Batu.

Causeway
by TimLight99


http://img38.exs.cx/img38/7697/causeway42058kw.jpg

Oh the current causeway of JB is too narrow..no wonder it always jamm....:(

Wat r they going to built on that empty place (c from the pic).Is it JB Sentral?

Such a short train, so cute! :D

Oh the current causeway of JB is too narrow..no wonder it always jamm....:(

Wat r they going to built on that empty place (c from the pic).Is it JB Sentral?
Half for JB sentral half for causeway road link.
Just now I pass through the new CIQ the stucture and design is so amazing and HUGE!!

Are there any more news about the proposed bridge?

Are there any more news about the proposed bridge?


Ask YAB Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi loh......I am sure he'll be able to answer you that. :D An alternative would be to ask Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong if you think he's nearer to you ;)

I think there is a news about it today..I read it in the Malay and Chinese News Paper:)

Ask YAB Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi loh......I am sure he'll be able to answer you that. :D An alternative would be to ask Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong if you think he's nearer to you ;)

You help me to ask lar.
:nuts:

Jan 2005
Kompleks Pemeriksaan Imigresen Kastam dan Kuarantin (CIQ)

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-01/CIQ-Jan05.jpg

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

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-01/LV-S-Jan05.jpg

JOHOR BAHRU SENTRAL ( JBS )

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-01/JBS-02(1).jpg

Feb 2005
Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ Complex )


http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-02/CIQFeb05.jpg

CIQ Complexs from Interchange 1

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-02/CIQ-fr-ICW.jpg

Progress of Roof erection for LV South/Progress of curtain wall works

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-02/LVS-Feb05.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-02/Prog-CwallFeb05.jpg

JOHOR BAHRU SENTRAL ( JBS ) :
JB Sentral - Construction of piles, reinforced earth and ground beams

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-02/JBS_0205.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-02/JBS_GB-0205.jpg

thanks for the updates;)

BTW, cool roof!!

You help me to ask lar.
:nuts:


you want to know of course you ask lah.....I am not your personal assistant :tongue:

JB Senter really look nice and huge...Just like KL sentral...cool:cool:

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/20050111/20050111_09.jpg

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/20050106/20050106_10.jpg

http://www.gerbangperdana.com.my/portals/gp05//gallery/20050106/20050106_08.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-03/CIQ0305.jpg
http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-03/CIQ-MCC0305.jpg
http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-03/U10305.jpg
http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-03/U2U30305.jpg
http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-03/CIQ-fr-ICW-0305.jpg

Why lah this project no towers? :bash:

Had it been halted before?

^ Nope, it just started late. ;)

GSB PROJECT COMPONENTS: WORK PROGRESS
( as at Mac 2005 )

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


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

CIQ Complexs Mac 2005

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-03/CIQ-MCC0305.jpg http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-03/CIQ-fr-ICW-0305.jpg

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-03/LVS0305.jpg

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

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-03/JBS0305.jpg
JB Sentral - Construction of piles, reinforced earth and ground beams - Mac 2005

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-02/JBS_GB-0205.jpg
Construction of ground beam

http://gsb.jkr.gov.my/en/images/db_progress/2005-03/SkyB0305.jpg
Column for Sky Bridge

A Warm Welcome to yung85!!!

hehehe thanks for the welcome... this is my first msg on this board.... i have always been very interested in the development of malaysia and recently i have found this website and it is so interesting!! btw i am from JB but i am studying at uni in UK.... :) nice to meet u all :)

Nice, one more from jb. Now 4 i guess.

Gerbang Perdana And JKR Told To Provide Contingency Plans For Bridge
April 23, 2005 18:28 PM




JOHOR BAHARU, April 23 (Bernama) -- The developer for the Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu (GSB) project, Gerbang Perdana Sdn Bhd and the Public Works Department (JKR) have been told to prepare a proposal paper for an alternative bridge if Malaysia and Singapore fail to agree on the construction of the bridge to replace the Johor Causeway.

Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, in issuing the directive. said the move was necessary to ensure the GSB project was not delayed merely because both countries failed to agree on the design of the bridge to replace the Johore Causeway, which is a component of the GSB.

"I give the JKR and Gerbang Perdana nine days from today to complete the proposal paper and the necessary drawings. I will look at them when I return from overseas on May 3 and will submit them to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister on May 4," he told reporters after visiting the GSB project site at Bukit Chagar, here.

Samy Vellu said among other things, the bridge under the contingency plan would have four lanes each way and would be linked directly to the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in Bukit Chagar from the Johore Causeway on the Malaysian border.

"If both sides fail to reach agreement, we will continue with this (contingency plan). We will demolish the Johor Causeway on our side of the border and from there, we will build the bridge which will be 18 metres above the sea level to enable small ships to pass through," he said.

The minister also said that the bridge would be straight which was more suitable compared to the one with a curved design desired by Singapore.

The construction of the bridge to replace the Johor Causeway was postponed in the middle of last year following the failure of both countries to reach agreement on the design of the bridge.

Samy Vellu said he did not know about the progress of the discussion as it was being handled by the foreign ministries of both countries.

On the GSB, he said so far 63 per cent of the RM2.3 billion project had been completed.

-- BERNAMA

Samy: Come up with new bridge design




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

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

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

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

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

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

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





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

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







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

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

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

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

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

i do not understand SV stms.. has SIN ever proposed a bridge design replacing the causeway b4? did i miss stg here? all this while i thot SIN doesn't want the causeway 2b replaced.. curved or not curved.. i still blve it's time to let the free flow of the rather stagnant selat tebrau water. i mean, don't u think it looks jazzy/funky & spectacular? curvy bridge.. woooooo then 'straighten up' b4 entering SIN.. haaaa haaaa it's like entering a square realm from a mystic kingdom.. heh hehh

actually i think the curved bridge is kinda unique hehe...:D:D