Malaysians walking into Singapore, as well as Singaporeans walking into Malaysia, rejoice.

Johor is looking to build a 1.2km pedestrian walkway on the Causeway.

Crossing on foot common

Crossing on foot is prevalent during peak hours.

Those who do it want to avoid being stuck in traffic congestion.

Johor Public Works, Infrastructure and Transportation Committee chairman Mohd Solihan Badri said there was a need for such an infrastructure after the state government found out many risked their lives by crossing on foot.

Covered footpath

The footpath will be covered and built on the existing motorcycle lanes on both sides of the Causeway.

The proposed project is expected to cost RM15 million (S$4.91 million).

Malaysia news agency Bernama quoted Mohd Solihan as saying: "This is at the proposal stage. With the walkway, we can resolve this safety issue."

Mohd Sohilan visited the site for the proposed walkway at the Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex on Tuesday, June 18.

He told reporters after the visit that many bus passengers are encroaching on lanes used by vehicles to beat the traffic jams before continuing their journey by public transport when they reach Singapore.

Several hundred thousand people daily

Mohd Solihan said an estimated 215,000 people used the Causeway to head to Singapore in 2018, of which 60 percent were pedestrians.

In total, some 300,000 people cross the border daily, according to Today.

"Consultants are preparing a detailed proposal for the state government to study, and it should be ready in two or three weeks," he added.

Singapore’s Ministry of Transport and Land Transport Authority have not commented when The Straits Times, CNA and Today published their articles on this news.

Unilateral announcement by Malaysia

Although it was not reported, it is almost certain that any physical changes made to the Causeway would have to have the buy-in and approval of Singapore authorities.

Any unilateral announcements of plans by Malaysia that will affect Singapore's side of the Causeway will likely be supplemented with follow-up statements.

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