Malaysian home minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin said on Sunday that the government is hoping to launch a "holistic research" in 2020 regarding the possibility of constructing a third bridge with Singapore to alleviate the countries' traffic congestion issues.
According to the Malay Mail, Yassin explained that the bridge will only kick off construction depending on the results of the feasibility study. On the other hand, he said once the estimated RM5 million fund for the the study is prepared, research will begin.
Yassin further revealed that around nine months would be required for the study to be completed and for full results to be revealed. The home minister clarified that bilateral talks with Singapore will only begin after a complete proposal is approved by the Malaysian government.
Previously, some analysts have recommended severthe al locations for a potential third bridge that could lift the burdens of people traveling between the two countries whether for work or tourism purposes.
Among the locations that were put on the table were Pontian and Pasir Gudang. Further location recommendations are expected to be raised should the feasibility study come out with positive results.
The issue on congestion and a potential third bridge first emerged in August, following complaints regarding the heavy flow of traffic at the Second Link Crossing in Gelang Patah and the Johor Causeway.
On a daily basis, it was estimated that around 450,000 people pass through the said routes, causing traffic congestion especially during peak hours of entering and exiting Singapore from Johor.
Yassin confirmed last week that he has informed the federal government about the issues faced by both Malaysians and Singaporeans traveling to and from the countries.
During a Johor state assembly meeting last week, Yassin reiterated that he will "ensure this initiative" is kicked off in the near future, adding that preliminary studies showed the dire need for a third bridge to link Singapore and Johor for better traveling between commuters.
At that time, Yassin noted that a third link doesn't necessarily have to be a bridge. Instead, it can be a tunnel that runs across the Straits of Johor, as long as it can ease traffic with along the two existing Malaysia-Singapore links.
Chairman of the State Public Works, Transport and Infrastructure Committee, Mohd Solihan Badri, echoed the sentiments of Yassin, stating that the recommendations were appropriate, considering the current traffic congestion in the existing bridges.
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad has also been vocal about his support for a potential third route. He previously stated that a crooked third bridge could help improve travel between the neighboring countries.
