Oleh/By : DATO' SERI DR. MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD
Tempat/Venue : TANJUNG KUPANG, JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM
Tarikh/Date : 18/04/98
Tajuk/Title : THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE
SECOND CROSSING
It is a great pleasure and honour for me to address
this gathering here on the official opening of the
Malaysia - Singapore Second Crossing. The opening of
this bridge marks yet another milestone in strengthening
the friendly relationship between Malaysia and Singapore.
2. The basis for the close ties between our countries
was laid about seventy-eight years ago i.e. on 24 April
1920 when the foundation stone for the first link or
Johor Causeway connecting the Island of Singapore to the
then Malaya was laid. The reason for the construction of
the Johor Causeway, which was completed in 1924, was to
facilitate commerce and administration of the two
territories by the colonial Government. The rapid
economic development enjoyed by both Malaysia and
Singapore since independence has made the causeway
inadequate to serve the heavy traffic that has grown.
3. It was because of this that discussions were held by
Malaysian and Singapore officials in early 1989 on the
possibility of constructing a second bridge. The
discussions were successfully concluded and, on 22 March
1994, the Inter-Government Agreement for the Design and
Construction of the Second Bridge, now known as the
Second Link, was signed.
4. What we are seeing before us here today is the
culmination of the efforts of both countries working
together to complete the construction of the Second
Crossing. Within ASEAN, Singapore ranks as Malaysia's
leading trading partner. This 2nd link will certainly
enhance that partnership. I am confident that it will
play a pivotal role in facilitating economic and
infrastructure development of both Singapore and
Malaysia. Indeed, I can say that this second crossing
will literally act as the bridge to carry our two
countries into the 21st century.
5. This new bridge can be seen as a triumph for ASEAN
as it demonstrates to all of us the success of two of its
members in working towards regional cooperation. This
bridge which took three years to complete and was opened
to traffic since the 2nd of January this year stands
before us a monument to the skill, patience and
cooperation of those responsible for its construction. I
would like to take this opportunity to thank both the
officials of Malaysia and Singapore who have worked
closely together. In particular, I would like to thank
Mr. Lim Hng Kiang, the Minister of National Development,
Singapore and Dato' Seri S. Samy Vellu, the Minister of
Works, Malaysia, who as the ministers responsible for the
Second Crossing have taken great personal interest in
ensuring the success of this joint undertaking.
6. The Second Crossing is a two-kilometre long high
level box-girder bridge linking Tanjung Kupang in South-
West Johor to Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim in Tuas, Singapore. On
the Malaysian side the bridge will be connected to the
Second Crossing Expressway by a 36.5 km dual three lane
carriageway, which is in turn connected to the existing
North-South Expressway and Senai Airport. Another new
expressway called the Perling Expressway, which is an 8.5
km dual two lane carriageway, will provide the link from
the bridge to Johor Bahru and to the port and industrial
areas of Pasir Gudang.
7. Travelling time by road will be shortened and
transport operating costs will be significantly reduced
as traffic congestion on the existing causeway and within
the city of Johor Bahru is relieved by the diversion of
most long distance and heavy cargo traffic to this new
bridge.
8. For Malaysia, the Second Crossing will provide new
and important links in the national and regional highway
system and will enable it to act as a catalyst in the
development of an area which is very close to the
consumer market and supporting facilities of Singapore.
It will also help to open up new growth areas around
Johor Bahru and towns further north and in the process
will facilitate the relocation of selected industries
within the region.
9. Despite the recent 'hiccup' in the relations between
Singapore and Malaysia, I am very heartened to note that
the economic turmoil that is affecting the ASEAN region
has, in fact, brought us closer together to try and
resolve the problems besetting us. In addition, frequent
consultations and discussions have made us more aware of
the sensitivities and the problems that we face. Of more
importance is the fact that it has made us more aware of
the strength that both possess and how these can be
harnessed for the benefit of our peoples. I wish
therefore to reiterate here that Malaysia values its
links with Singapore and has always regarded Singapore
and Singaporeans as friends. I therefore look forward
with great optimism and confidence to even closer
cooperation between us.
10. To Mr. Goh Chok Tong, the Prime Minister of
Singapore, I would also like to convey my thanks for
being present here and in order to enable us to jointly
officiate the opening of this bridge.
11. To Mr. Lim Hng Kiang, the Minister of National
Development and other guests from Singapore, I , on
behalf of my colleagues from Malaysia, would also like to
convey my thanks for your presence here to witness the
official opening of the Second Crossing.
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