Updated 3.06pm, 11 June 2009
PUTRAJAYA, 11 June 2009: Singapore is keen on the construction of a third bridge linking the republic to Malaysia, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.
“The concept of the third bridge on the eastern side of Johor is something we will pursue, and Singapore is quite keen on having the third bridge,” he said.
“When we have a third bridge, we can develop the whole of the eastern side [of Johor] up to Mersing and onwards to Desaru.
“Singapore did say that [the area] has potential to be another Nusa Jaya like in Bali (Indonesia),” Najib said in his opening address at the 2010 Budget consultation meeting at the Ministry of Finance here.
Speaking at a news conference later, Najib said Singapore’s interest in the bridge was conveyed by its minister mentor, Lee Kuan Yew, who met him several days ago.
“He showed interest to work with Malaysia to build the third bridge. The bridge can develop Johor and districts like Mersing, Desaru and so forth in Kuantan in Pahang.
“I have directed the relevant parties to provide a feasibility study and consultant for the project. It is related to the development of the Iskandar corridor,” he said.
However, the date to start the project had yet to be decided.
“We cannot say when the project will be implemented because we have to look at the finding of the feasibility study and the costs. Malaysia and Singapore will pay for the cost of the third bridge,” Najib said. — Bernama
