Third Ferry Service From Johor To Singapore Under Consideration

Piston.my

Third Ferry Service From Johor To Singapore Under Consideration

For most people travelling to or from Singapore, the 100-year old Causeway across the Straits of Johor and the Second Link are the usually places for the crossing. As traffic volumes have increased and immigration procedures have also become more stringent, long queues have been a common sight at both sides.

There have been various proposals to add connections across the Straits including, at one time, a wider 6-lane ‘crooked bridge’ envisioned by former PM Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. However, up till today, there are still only two crossings for vehicles.

Less well known is an alternative way to cross using the ferry services from Tanjung Belungkor and Desaru in Johor to Tanah Merah in Singapore. These ferry services, which commenced in the middle of last year, are not for cars though but provide an easier way for people to get across (about 35 minutes) instead of going through the jam at the Causeway and Second Link.

Now, the Johor state government is also considering a third ferry service across the water. This will be from Puteri Harbour on the western side to Tuas in Singapore. According to The Star, this proposal was discussed during the visit of Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi to Singapore.

“However, we will need approval from the Malaysian Transport Ministry first before further talks can be held with Singapore’s Transport Ministry,” he said, adding that resolving the traffic congestion issue between Johor and Singapore remains a top priority for the state and Federal governments.

^{The current ferry services between Johor and Singapore are only for passengers and not vehicles, A pity there is no vehicle ferry service like what used to be available between Penang and the mainland.}

“We are all aware that this (congestion at the Causeway) is not something that just happened today as the problem has been there for decades. However, this has not broken the spirit of the state and Federal governments to work together to resolve the issue,” he said.

^{Picture yourself on a tropical adventure in the Great Barrier Reef, or an exquisite culinary experience in Italy, or a historical tour in Egypt. Come explore the world! Join the Monthly Travel Bonanza 2023! Spend a minimum of RM30 at participating BHPetrol stations and stand a chance to win great prizes every month! Exclusive for BHPetrol eCard app members only.}

The Mentri Besar also mentioned that he discussed issues related to the use of electrical vehicles (EVs) in the state. The Johor government would come up with a mechanism soon to support the use of such vehicles.

This would take into consideration Singapore’s intention to stop allowing registration of combustion engine vehicles by 2030. Therefore Johor, which has many Singapore-registered vehicles coming over, would have to start planning to support such vehicles in the years to come.