Johor plans to revive pedestrian shortcut

JOHOR BARU: The state government will push for the reopening of a pedestrian shortcut to the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (BSI CIQ), including facilitating a study to look into its feasibility.

State works, transportation and infrastructure committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said he will bring the matter up in the coming meeting of the task force that oversees traffic congestion at the Causeway.

“The decision on whether the shortcut will be reopened lies in the hands of the Home Ministry and we are still waiting for a final say from them.

“However, we can make the necessary preparation in anticipation of the reopening.

“I will bring this matter up in the next task force meeting, which is expected to be held at the end of this month. During the meeting, we will discuss which agencies or department would be responsible to conduct a study on this matter,” he said in an interview.

The state government, added Mohamad Fazli, is supportive of the move to reopen the shortcut and will assist the ministry in facilitating the process.

“Safety concern is the main thing that has been brought up by enforcement agencies involved and that is why it is important to study the matter first.

“While the shortcut falls under the Home Ministry’s jurisdiction, we are prepared to assist if needed,” he said.

Stulang assemblyman Andrew Chen Kah Eng said there are many factors and possibilities that need to be looked into before any action could be taken over the shortcut.

“I will also look into the matter further, including talking to the enforcement agencies involved,” said Chen, adding that the area falls under his constituency.

Last month, The Star highlighted that hundreds of pedestrians, including pregnant women and senior citizens, asked for the shortcut to be reopened.

According to a BSI CIQ official, pedestrians are allowed access through the walkway – located near the lorry entrance – to enter the building for many years until the Home Ministry stopped it during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Regular users stated that the shorter route, located near the old Lion Hotel (now known as Hako Hotel) along Jalan Lingkaran Dalam, saved them time and effort. They are currently required to walk 1.5km around the CIQ complex.

Checks by The Star revealed that warning signs have been erected to deter pedestrians from approaching the access. Additionally, auxiliary and traffic policemen have been stationed there to prevent individuals from using the shortcut.

On Sept 7, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said it is seriously considering reopening the pedestrian shortcut.

On Aug 19, Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi also said he supports the move to reopen the shortcut.

At least two major government agencies – the police and the Johor Baru City Council – have also voiced their support.