ISKANDAR DEVELOPMENT REGION | Johor ( Southern Johor ) | General News & Updates

[portman99]

Originally Posted by DW25

Did Arlida Ariff touch on Public Transport Projects in Iskandar Malaysia ?
Though BRT is a great idea but I doubt it feasibility along the 3 lanes Skudai Highway back and fro Johor Bahru. But it should fit better in JB - Nusajaya route since the entire area is under development. Strictly speaking BRT system demands delicated lane for Bus but the congested skudai highway doesnt provide that kind of environment yet ...... The public will get pretty upset with BRT taking the entire one lane. With low public transport take up rate in JB, I think a 4 cabin Monorail is more suitable or even extending KTM kommuter should be more realistic.

I think a budget of RM 400 million++ does not instill confidence level to public transport sector in Iskandar Malaysia nor does it go along with the comprehensive masterplan outline for IDR. If KL can get RM 35 billion alone for a span of 10 years or above .... should PM Najib allocate more for the second biggest city and the next hotspot after Klang valley ? I find Menteri Besar statement of BRT better than MRT very disturbing ....... Both have their strength, but to completely reject MRT shows lack of foresight for Johor Future Growth.

I've touched on this in previous post. What we would like to have and what is practical and affordable are two very different things. Dato' Ghani is not dismissing MRT completely but what he is saying is that at this point in time, the best solution for JB given costs and the ability of JB citizens to pay, BRT is the best option.To those so obsessed with MRT, do you know how much it would cost? Do you know how much ticket prices would be? Do you know how much people can afford to pay?

These were all key questions that were asked before the BRT was decided upon. Building the MRT is one thing but getting people to ride it is another and if people do not ride because they can't afford it, what will happen to it????

In the transportation Blue Print there are plans for an MRT, but this would only take place when we have reached the population critical mass and the income levels have reached the point where MRT fares become more affordable.

Rather than continually complain and rubbish these new efforts, why don't you all go visit the Iskandar Malaysia open days ( most recently in Pasir Gudang 3-4th July) and learn how the BRT will be implemented and also give constructive feedback on how best to implement the BRT to the transport reps on duty there!

[portman99]

Originally Posted by cathylmg

How is MRT going to travel on crook rail?

There are many options on how the MRT can link with public transport services in JB. If the new bridge to replace the causeway does not happen ( Personally I think the new bridge WILL happen), there is the option of an underwater tunnel ( e.g. HK Island and Kowloon), the distance is actually very short between Singapore and JB, so technically it can be done and not an issue.

[daeng_jal]

typical malaysian mentality,if a bare bone infra is build like the BRT and LCCT,people complain
if a huge system is build with excessive capacity like KLIA is build, people also complain,

[nazrey]

Iskandar gets RM4.6bil in new investments
By ZAZALI MUSA Monday July 5, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story...8&sec=business

PASIR GUDANG: Iskandar Malaysia (IM) has received RM4.62bil new investments in the first five months of the year in the manufacturing, services and information and communication technology (ICT) sectors.

Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) chief executive officer Ismail Ibrahim said the investments were made by both locals and foreigners.

He declined to divulge the identity of the investors and the countries, saying only that they would be made known to the press at the appropriate time.

Ismail said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak or Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, the co-chairmen of IRDA, was likely to make the announcement on the new investments soon.

“Similarly, we expect more investments to come from Singapore following the improvement in the bilateral ties between Malaysia and Singapore,” he said.

Ismail was speaking to reporters at the launch of the Iskandar Malaysia Open Day in Pasir Gudang Town Centre by Johor state secretary Datuk Abdul Latiff Yusof on Saturday.

He said apart from Singaporean investors, IM also expected investments from Indonesian investors following the three-day working visit by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to Jakarta last week.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed was cited in news reports in May this year as saying that at least 15 American companies had also conveyed their interest to invest in IM following his visit to the United States.

On the allocation for infrastructure projects slated for the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) in IM, Ismail said Najib would announce the allocation and details of the projects when he tables Budget 2011 later this year.

[patchay]

Originally Posted by daeng_jal

typical malaysian mentality,if a bare bone infra is build like the BRT and LCCT,people complain
if a huge system is build with excessive capacity like KLIA is build, people also complain,

IIB is very much in need of public feedback. The youths out there can be heard if they, like me, attended the event I posted up here recently.

[supremecouncillor]

Originally Posted by daeng_jal

typical malaysian mentality,if a bare bone infra is build like the BRT and LCCT,people complain
if a huge system is build with excessive capacity like KLIA is build, people also complain,

Agree agree, how about this..propose a megalomaniac infra but after that build a tiny mini project

[DW25]

（柔佛‧新山）柔州房屋、地方政府、公共工程及公共設施委員會主席拿督阿末惹利披露，州政府將在州內分階段採用交通限制方案（traffic restraint），諸如設立電子道路收費系統及限制泊車，確保民眾能善用公共交通工具。

他說，一旦州內實施更有效的公共交通系統後，政府將分階段實行以上舉措，以便不會加重人民的負擔。

他指出，政府認為不能僅僅依靠擴建道路和建造更多的高速公路來解決柔州現有的交通問題。

他強調，柔州必須擁有一個綜合性而且有效率的公共交通系統。此外，也要限制私家車駛入新山市區以及限制市區內的泊車位。

阿末惹利週四（7月8日）在州議會，回答嗎什區州議員阿都哈密的口頭詢問時，發表以上講話。

同意讓快巴川行特區

他說，政府已同意讓快巴服務（bus rapid transit），成為在依斯干達特區裡川行的公共交通工具。

他說，政府將把快巴的服務，視為減少特區私家車流量的一項長期解決交通問題方案。

此外，在依斯干達特區內，將有一個由依斯干達特區巴士公司所提供，共川行特區16條路線的公共交通服務。

他透露，州政府已在新山市區內開始實行交通信號控制系統（sistem scats）。目前，當局已在新山市政局前路口處交通燈裝置這系統。

他指出，當局將把交通信號控制系統擴大州內各個地區，以更有效率地管理交通狀況。

此外，州政府將在高速公路及主要公路，擴大使用交通誘導系統（variable message system）以及閉路電視，以更有效地監督各地交通狀況。

柔草擬“運輸總計劃”

阿末惹利指出，依斯干達特區發展局正為柔佛州草擬一份“運輸總計劃”（plan induk pengangkutan），提呈公共交通或私用車上街時的安全車速，研究如何減緩市區交通流量並確保交通順暢。

阿末惹利也在答覆中強調，州政府非常重視州內需要擁有一個更有效的街道維護和管理系統，從而避免有民眾投訴街道損壞之後，才有工程局職員前去維修道路。

他說，當局將採用多孔瀝青（porous asphalt）、石澆注式瀝青（stone mastic asphalt）、芯片密封（chip seal）、微堆焊（micro surfacing）以及聚合物改性瀝青混凝土（polymer modified asphalt concrete）等高科技和原料，作為州內公路的養護用料。

星洲日報／大柔佛‧2010.07.08

[DW25]

The state government plans to utilize traffic restraints mechanism like electronic road Pricing to encourage johoreans to use public transport. The main mode of public transport is still BRT, he also mentioned that there is a need for a holistic public transportation framework to work in IDR areas.

[Vrooms]

Originally Posted by DW25

The state government plans to utilize traffic restraints mechanism like electronic road Pricing to encourage johoreans to use public transport. The main mode of public transport is still BRT, he also mentioned that there is a need for a holistic public transportation framework to work in IDR areas.

That means all malaysian cars will have an IU reader like Singapore. I wonder how they are going to install the IU into all the existing cars...

[DW25]

Originally Posted by Vrooms

That means all malaysian cars will have an IU reader like Singapore. I wonder how they are going to install the IU into all the existing cars...

I foreseen another round of public uproar if this would to be implemented in the near future. We simply do not have a good public transportation system in JB and furthermore it takes some time for people to take up and accept public transport as the main mode of traveling. Its too early to even speak of implementing traffic restriction mechanisms. Also the BRT has yet to take off, we don't know how effective it really is. The current Iskandar Malaysia Social Bus doesnt really reached optimum capacity. Most of the time, you hardly see more than 5 commuters inside the bus. Although it might not be the case for some of the social routes. But for Tampoi - Skudai routes, thats the reality.

I hope Iskandar Malaysia can engage more with the public on BRT project before actual implementation. By merely just having open day isnt enough, local community hardly knows all these.

[Vrooms]

Originally Posted by DW25

I foreseen another round of public uproar if this would to be implemented in the near future. We simply do not have a good public transportation system in JB and furthermore it takes some time for people to take up and accept public transport as the main mode of traveling. Its too early to even speak of implementing traffic restriction mechanisms. Also the BRT has yet to take off, we don't know how effective it really is. The current Iskandar Malaysia Social Bus doesnt really reached optimum capacity. Most of the time, you hardly see more than 5 commuters inside the bus. Although it might not be the case for some of the social routes. But for Tampoi - Skudai routes, thats the reality.

I hope Iskandar Malaysia can engage more with the public on BRT project before actual implementation. By merely just having open day isnt enough, local community hardly knows all these.

The Malaysia government really needs to engage with the locals to get their view on the transport system.

[Vince]

Originally Posted by DW25

Did Arlida Ariff touch on Public Transport Projects in Iskandar Malaysia ?
Though BRT is a great idea but I doubt it feasibility along the 3 lanes Skudai Highway back and fro Johor Bahru. But it should fit better in JB - Nusajaya route since the entire area is under development. Strictly speaking BRT system demands delicated lane for Bus but the congested skudai highway doesnt provide that kind of environment yet ...... The public will get pretty upset with BRT taking the entire one lane. With low public transport take up rate in JB, I think a 4 cabin Monorail is more suitable or even extending KTM kommuter should be more realistic.

I think a budget of RM 400 million++ does not instill confidence level to public transport sector in Iskandar Malaysia nor does it go along with the comprehensive masterplan outline for IDR. If KL can get RM 35 billion alone for a span of 10 years or above .... should PM Najib allocate more for the second biggest city and the next hotspot after Klang valley ? I find Menteri Besar statement of BRT better than MRT very disturbing ....... Both have their strength, but to completely reject MRT shows lack of foresight for Johor Future Growth.

Very much agreed!

[DW25]

（新山综合讯）柔佛州将于《马来亚铁道公司在新加坡土地发展协议要点》（POA）相关课题解决之后，才讨论建设新桥以取代现有新柔长堤的问题。

　　柔州大臣阿都干尼说，还有许多课题有待解决，包括供水给新加坡的课题。“我们必须达致一个惠及两国的双赢解决方案。”

　　他周五在州议会回答甘拔士区州议员奥斯曼沙比安的提问时这么回答。

　　奥斯曼问，针对卖给新加坡的未处理食水，为什么政府还不提高价格，以及为什么至今还没有进行讨论建造新桥的课题？

　　奥斯曼认为，人们偏向于赞成建新桥，这个计划进行得越快越好。

　　阿都干尼重申，随着第一份水供合约及马来亚铁道公司归还在新加坡地段的期限都在明年届满，因此，这两项课题必须先解决，然后才逐步解决其他悬而未决的课题。

　　他说，马来西亚首相与新加坡总理于今年5月及6月两次的会谈内容，并不存在支付任何赔偿金的问题，因为两国已达致创造双赢局面的共识。

　　他说，根据1990年《马来亚铁道公司在新加坡土地发展协议要点》，马国即将于明年迁出位于新加坡的火车地段，地段因此也将归还新加坡。

　　“铁道服务在1918年开入新加坡境内时，合约上已阐明在新加坡的土地，只能作为火车轨道用途，该地段并不能作其他用途。”

　　阿都干尼表示，在会谈中，两国同意在明年7月1日，将设于丹戎巴葛的火车站，分阶段迁移至兀兰。双方也同意将新加坡地铁衔接至新山的轻快铁捷运，以及在依士干达经济特区开发保健概念城市等合作项目。

It is mentioned here that both countries will link up Singapore's MRT to JB's LRT, as contrast to the original Rapid Transit Line. Another recent report also mentioned that Menteri Besar has also allocated a piece of land around Kempas for the future Rapid Transit Line Interchange. All of these are reported in Chinese Papers, I do not vouch for their credibility.

[Vince]

Originally Posted by DW25

（新山综合讯）柔佛州将于《马来亚铁道公司在新加坡土地发展协议要点》（POA）相关课题解决之后，才讨论建设新桥以取代现有新柔长堤的问题。

　　柔州大臣阿都干尼说，还有许多课题有待解决，包括供水给新加坡的课题。“我们必须达致一个惠及两国的双赢解决方案。”

　　他周五在州议会回答甘拔士区州议员奥斯曼沙比安的提问时这么回答。

　　奥斯曼问，针对卖给新加坡的未处理食水，为什么政府还不提高价格，以及为什么至今还没有进行讨论建造新桥的课题？

　　奥斯曼认为，人们偏向于赞成建新桥，这个计划进行得越快越好。

　　阿都干尼重申，随着第一份水供合约及马来亚铁道公司归还在新加坡地段的期限都在明年届满，因此，这两项课题必须先解决，然后才逐步解决其他悬而未决的课题。

　　他说，马来西亚首相与新加坡总理于今年5月及6月两次的会谈内容，并不存在支付任何赔偿金的问题，因为两国已达致创造双赢局面的共识。

　　他说，根据1990年《马来亚铁道公司在新加坡土地发展协议要点》，马国即将于明年迁出位于新加坡的火车地段，地段因此也将归还新加坡。

　　“铁道服务在1918年开入新加坡境内时，合约上已阐明在新加坡的土地，只能作为火车轨道用途，该地段并不能作其他用途。”

　　阿都干尼表示，在会谈中，两国同意在明年7月1日，将设于丹戎巴葛的火车站，分阶段迁移至兀兰。双方也同意将新加坡地铁衔接至新山的轻快铁捷运，以及在依士干达经济特区开发保健概念城市等合作项目。

It is mentioned here that both countries will link up Singapore's MRT to JB's LRT, as contrast to the original Rapid Transit Line. Another recent report also mentioned that Menteri Besar has also allocated a piece of land around Kempas for the future Rapid Transit Line Interchange. All of these are reported in Chinese Papers, I do not vouch for their credibility.

Seen that, heard that, but with nothing concrete on the ground, nothing said about JB's development is ever credible.

[nazrey]

Be Open About Singapore's Investment In Johor, Says Najib
July 11, 2010 16:47 PM

JOHOR BAHARU, July 11 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has called on all parties to keep an open mind and not to be emotional about Singapore's investment in Johor, particularly in Iskandar Malaysia.

Najib, who is the Umno president, said if Singapore or other countries were investing in Iskandar Malaysia, it would be to the benefit of the people of Johor.

"If we want to see development in Iskandar Malaysia and Johor, we should be open to investments from all. There is no difference between investments from Singapore and those from the United States as long as they are beneficial," he said when opening the Pulai Umno division meeting and the Tan Sri Mohamed Rahmat Complex on Sunday.

The prime minister said parochialism should be discarded in matters concerning foreign investment, including those from Singapore "because we are now in the 21st century."

Citing an example, he said, if the United States bought palm oil from Malaysia, the move would also benefit Felda and its settlers.

On Felda, the prime minister said it was not true that the land development agency was bankrupt as alleged by the opposition.

It was the opposition leaders who were "bankrupt of ideas," he said.

He also said that Malaysia need to move forward in its quest to become a developed nation.

"We want to see Malaysia becomes a modern country, a country which is creative, innovative and able to compete at the international level," he said.

Present were Young PAP Singapore chairman Teo Ser Luck and the deputy speaker of Indonesia's house of representative, Anis Matta.

-- BERNAMA

[Zulkiflim]

Heya

Just a question yeah

How many here would take private transport if JB has a robust system in place?

Even here in Sg we would rather have our own cars.
Convenience and social status etc. are the reasons.

Personally if i were to live in Johor Bahru or any other large states, a car would be a necessity eh.

Would it be financially and economically prudent to own a car but not use?

Countries with great transportation system are normally closeted.
Malaysian in general travel far and wide in their own country.

[DW25]

Originally Posted by Zulkiflim

Heya

Just a question yeah

How many here would take private transport if JB has a robust system in place?

Even here in Sg we would rather have our own cars.
Convenience and social status etc. are the reasons.

Personally if i were to live in Johor Bahru or any other large states, a car would be a necessity eh.

Would it be financially and economically prudent to own a car but not use?

Countries with great transportation system are normally closeted.
Malaysian in general travel far and wide in their own country.

My say in this is that private car is always a necessity even when a comprehensive robust public transportation is in place. But as population picks up and so do traffic flow, we cant relay on private transport alone. Public transport has a social and commercial catalyst role in ensuring a healthier mixture of both modes.

[Vince]

Originally Posted by Zulkiflim

Heya

Just a question yeah

How many here would take private transport if JB has a robust system in place?

Even here in Sg we would rather have our own cars.
Convenience and social status etc. are the reasons.

Personally if i were to live in Johor Bahru or any other large states, a car would be a necessity eh.

Would it be financially and economically prudent to own a car but not use?

Countries with great transportation system are normally closeted.
Malaysian in general travel far and wide in their own country.

I totally would. Just like I don't need a car when I go around Singapore, I wish I can say the same when I'm in JB.

The reason why you feel that a car is a necessity in Malaysia is because our cities here have always been built in favour of cars, so much so that it is inconvenient to get around without one. However, notice that in many other cities around the world with good public transit infrastructures, car rentals are usually cheaper and competitive because of a higher demand as many don't drive. Therefore one does not always need a car but just rents an affordable one when he/she needs to go somewhere further. Hopefully one day we can see that in Malaysian cities as well. It is never too late to change the mindset of anyone, including Malaysians.

[tomkat]

Originally Posted by Vince

I totally would. Just like I don't need a car when I go around Singapore, I wish I can say the same when I'm in JB.

The reason why you feel that a car is a necessity in Malaysia is because our cities here have always been built in favour of cars, so much so that it is inconvenient to get around without one. However, notice that in many other cities around the world with good public transit infrastructures, car rentals are usually cheaper and competitive because of a higher demand as many don't drive. Therefore one does not always need a car but just rents an afforfable one when he/she needs to go somewhere further. Hopefully one day we can see that in Malaysian cities as well. It is never too late to change the mindset of anyone, including Malaysians.

I live in Japan. I have no car, so I have to take the public transport. Same goes to my other colleagues who have no car either.
But once they have a car, they would be driving to everywhere.
That is human nature. It happens everywhere.

[Vince]

Originally Posted by tomkat

I live in Japan. I have no car, so I have to take the public transport. Same goes to my other colleagues who have no car either.
But once they have a car, they would be driving to everywhere.
That is human nature. It happens everywhere.

No, it's not entirely the same everywhere. The fact is that you don't have a car and you get around fine. Come live in JB without a car and see how hard it is to get anywhere without spending a fortune. Everyone wants to be spoilt and have the ease that comes with car ownership, but there is always a better alternative. In the near future, with oil price skyrocketting, driving would be a luxury, unless, of course, the electric cars are finally in mass production.