Third bridge “inappropriate”, says Shahrir

(Bernama) – Johor Baru Member of Parliament Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad today described as "inappropriate" the proposal to build a third bridge to link Singapore and Malaysia.

He said the construction of the bridge to link Singapore to the eastern side of Johor at Pengerang was not desperately needed by either the people in the country or tourists from the republic.

"My view is that construction of the bridge is not necessary. Instead, the  government should improve efficiency of the ferry service or encourage the use of ship and boats as a mode of transport between the two countries.

"The government should make it a priority to build a new bridge to overcome congestion at the Johor causeway," he told reporters at a function here.

He said this in response to a statement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who met Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew in Putrajaya several days ago, that Singapore was keen on the construction of a third bridge linking the republic to Malaysia.

Shahrir said the use of a ferry service and boats in waters off Pengerang, instead of a bridge, would be apt, Pengerang being a recreation and resort centre.

It would be better for the cost of building the third bridge be used to build a new bridge to replace the Johor causeway, Shahrir said.