Malaysia to discuss single Causeway checkpoint with Singapore

JOHOR ― Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he will have a meeting with his Singapore counterpart to “discuss in detail” the proposal to introduce a single inspection centre on the Causeway.

Speaking at a federal road project launch in Johor on Sunday (Feb 11), Mr Zahid said he will call on Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean on the proposed single Customs and Immigration Inspection Centre in Johor.

Mr Teo is also Singapore's Co-ordinating Minister for National Security.

“They (Singapore) must form an action body as carried out by Malaysia … I have not met with Singapore Deputy Prime Minister (Teo) (but) we will discuss the matter in detail,” he said.

“Maybe the question of interpretation is different and this needs articulation from both parties between Malaysia and Singapore.”

On Saturday, it was reported that Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had rejected the proposal to introduce the single Immigration and Customs checkpoint at the Johor Causeway.

Mr Zahid, who is also Malaysia’s Home Affairs Minister, said if the proposal could be implemented, the single checkpoint would play an important role in enabling a smooth flow of traffic and ease the congestion problem at the Causeway.

However, he noted that Malaysia should respect Singapore’s security concerns, but did not foresee any problem for the suggestion to be implemented.

“We know that there is a bottle-neck at the Johor Causeway and I have discussed with the Johor Chief Minister, as well as the federal government, to tackle the issue together,” Mr Zahid added. AGENCIES