Mini CIQ for pedestrians in JB to start next
year
JOHOR BARU: Construction of the proposed mini Customs,
Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex for pedestrians in Johor
Baru, is expected to start by next year, says Johor Baru MP Datuk
Shahrir Samad.
He said the discussions between Home Ministry officials, state
non-governmental organisations, the police, state assemblymen in
Johor Baru as well as city councillors were showing positive signs
of implementing the project.
“The technical details will be solved by this year.
Realistically, the project is expected to start by early next
year,” he said.
Shahrir said that close-door discussions, which had been held
three times, were chaired by Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk
Seri Mahmood Adam and among those in attendance were himself and
the Inspector-general of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan.
“In the latest meeting, the IGP (Musa) had concluded that the
mini-CIQ would not pose any security threat to the state or the
country.
“We are optimistic that the project will get underway after
ironing some technical issues,” he said. Saturday.
Speaking to reporters Saturday after the latest meeting, Shahrir
said that among the technical issues was the issue of land near the
Causeway, which was owned by the state government, the size and
design of the complex, cost of the project as well as whether the
complex would cater to both inbound and outbound traffic.
He added that the proposed mini-CIQ for pedestrians was first
brought up in 2008 after the new CIQ was first opened after members
of the public complained about traffic congestion and lack of
facilities for pedestrians.
“The majority of Johoreans people and businesses want this
facility (mini-CIQ).
“Such a facility can also revive the businesses in Johor Baru
city centre, which has taken a drastic hit since the new CIQ opened
as traffic to and from Singapore no longer flowed there,” he said,
adding that, presently, traffic via the new CIQ flowed to the
Stulang area.
Shahrir said that the mini-CIQ would be conveniet for
pedestrians travelling to and from Singapore via the Causeway.
“The government has shown great commitment in making this
proposal a reality.
“The plight of the people, especially pedestrians must be taken
care of,” he said.
Currently, public transport commuters leave the CIQ through
Johor Baru Central and City Square, requiring a long walk to the
nearest bus stop.
In Jan last year, Shahrir, who was the then Domestic Trade and
Consumer Affairs minister, had proposed utilising the old CIQ for
pedestrian traffic, which could be the solution to the long walk
public transport users had to endure at the new CIQ.
really boleh
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/4/10/nation/20100410143847&sec=nation