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RESPONSE TO MEDIA
QUERIES ON MALAYSIA¨S PLAN TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE THE CAUSEWAY TO HEAVY
VEHICLES
We received an
official notification on 21 December 2006 from the Malaysian Government
informing us of the temporary closure of the Causeway to heavy vehicles
and the
diversion of these vehicles to the Second Link. However,
we note that Malaysian Works Minister Datuk
Seri Samy Vellu's
reported comments to the media on 18 January 2007 regarding the dates
and period of the proposed temporary diversion differ significantly from
those mentioned in that earlier notification. We have therefore written
to seek clarification from the relevant Malaysian authorities on this
matter, as well as to seek further details about the proposed diversion.
The proposed
diversion will have material implications for both Malaysia and
Singapore. Besides obvious operational adjustments for traffic and
checkpoint operations at the Second Link and the Causeway, users of both
land links can expect delays and higher costs as a result of the
proposed diversion. It will be necessary for Malaysia and Singapore to
work together to minimise the disruption to
the traveling public, as well as tourist and trade flows.
We have therefore requested the Malaysian Government to
hold consultations with us at a technical level as soon as possible to
work out the modalities of the proposed diversion and we look forward to
their response.
On
Singapore¨s part, a multi-agency group has been looking at appropriate
measures to minimise the impact of the
temporary diversion. In view of the anticipated increase in traffic
volume at the Second Link, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority and
the Land Transport Authority are making preparations to redeploy
resources and adjust traffic flows at the checkpoint. In addition, we
have been seeking feedback from industry on the impact of the diversion
on their operations. These preparatory and mitigating measures will
take time to implement. It is therefore important that this be taken
into account in deciding on the timing of the temporary diversion. We
hope to coordinate our efforts with the Malaysians to responsibly manage
the proposed diversion.
Issued By:
Ministry of Transport, Singapore
Immigration
& Checkpoints Authority
Land
Transport Authority
Agri-Food
& Veterinary Authority
Date: 25 January 2007
Source: www.mot.gov.sg Press Release
25 Jan 2007
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MOT comments on Malaysia's plan to
temporarily close causeway to heavy vehicles
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