ISKANDAR PUTERI — The Johor state government has requested an allocation of RM30 million (S$9.88 million) for the construction of a pedestrian walkway on the Causeway.

Johor State Public Works, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman Mohd Solihan Badri said the request was submitted earlier this year and is currently being studied by the federal government.

"Initially, we solicited RM15 million for the project, but the amount was increased after a redesign, which will include escalators and air conditioning.

"Under the proposal, the walkway will measure 350m and ends at the border with Singapore," said Mr Solihan.

He was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Johor State Assembly proceedings in Iskandar Puteri.

Earlier in the proceedings, Mr Solihan said the state is still awaiting Putrajaya's green light for the project.

He said this when responding to a written question from Mr Andrew Chen Kah Eng (PH-Stulang) who asked about the progress of the project.

To an additional question from Mr Chen, Mr Solihan said the Singaporean government has shown interest in extending the proposed walkway to its side of the Causeway.

When speaking to the media later, Mr Solihan said he recently met with Singapore Consulate officials who expressed interest in the project.

"They asked for the design of the walkway so that they can submit a proposal to their government. They are also concerned with the comfort of pedestrians who cross the Causeway."

Mr Solihan said the state government will carry out the project quickly once the project is approved.

The construction of a pedestrian walkway is one of the proposals made by Malaysia's Special Committee on Causeway Congestion to reduce crowding at the checkpoint.

In response to a TODAY query, Singapore’s Ministry of Transport referred to its statement issued last year, in which it said that the Republic is committed to working with Malaysia to find practical and effective solutions to resolve the issue of Causeway congestion.

"Today, there is already a pedestrian walkway on Singapore’s side of the Causeway beside the vehicular lanes. While we have yet to receive any official proposal or communications from Malaysia regarding their proposal, we welcome the construction of a sheltered walkway on Malaysia’s side linking the Johor Bahru CIQ to the pedestrian walkway on Singapore’s side."

NEW STRAITS TIMES, WITH ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY DARYL CHOO