Singapore foreign minister: Causeway ‘built to last’, changes possible but will need detailed coordination

Overview

Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan stated that expanding the Johor-Singapore Causeway’s infrastructure is technically feasible but would demand detailed planning and close coordination between Singapore and Malaysia. He emphasised that the Causeway was “built to last” and continues to serve both countries well more than a century after its construction.

Minister’s remarks on expansion

During a fireside chat with participants of the Malaysian Journalists’ Visit Programme (MJVP) in Singapore, Balakrishnan was asked whether the Causeway’s infrastructure could be expanded.

He replied:

“Theoretically, is it possible? The answer is yes, but there will be a lot of details to coordinate.”

The minister underlined that any changes would require meticulous bilateral planning on issues such as design, engineering, operations and border procedures.

Causeway’s durability and significance

Balakrishnan noted that the Johor-Singapore Causeway, now over 100 years old, remains structurally robust and continues to underpin the close relationship between the two neighbours. He contrasted long‑lasting infrastructure like the Causeway with modern consumer devices that are replaced every few years, highlighting the foresight of earlier generations who built enduring systems of pipes, roads and utilities.

The minister described the Causeway as a critical link binding Singapore and Malaysia in the heart of Southeast Asia. He argued that effective cooperation over this crossing is essential not only for both countries but also as a signal for wider economic and regional integration within Asean.

Economic and regional integration

Balakrishnan characterised himself as a firm supporter of economic integration and Asean integration. He stressed that Singapore and Malaysia share “the closest relationship” in Southeast Asia, and that their ability to manage cross‑border infrastructure like the Causeway will influence how other Asean members approach integration.

He warned that if Singapore and Malaysia fail to make such cooperation work, countries facing even greater internal or bilateral challenges may struggle to integrate their economies effectively. For this reason, he urged both sides to persist in improving the Causeway and related systems.

Traffic, border management and daily realities

The Johor-Singapore Causeway is a six-lane, 1.056‑kilometre structure that includes a road, a railway track and a pedestrian walkway, linking Johor Bahru in Malaysia with Woodlands in Singapore. It is regarded as one of the world’s busiest border crossings, handling about 350,000 road and rail travellers each day.

Balakrishnan underscored that the scale and pattern of movement across the Causeway make border management significantly more complex than at airports. At airports, flights are scheduled and authorities know in advance how many passengers will arrive on each flight.

By contrast, he said:

At the Causeway, it is effectively “own time, own target”: people may walk, drive, take buses, taxis, cars or trains, with flows that are far less regulated in timing.

This constant, mixed-mode traffic and the unpredictable peaks in arrivals and departures create serious operational challenges for immigration, customs and traffic management agencies on both sides.

Addressing congestion and RTS Link

The minister acknowledged that congestion and long waiting times, especially during weekends, holidays and school breaks, remain a major source of frustration for regular commuters. Nevertheless, he pointed to clear progress in reducing pressure on the Causeway, in particular through the upcoming Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link.

The RTS Link is expected to carry large numbers of passengers by rail between Johor Bahru and Woodlands, easing load on road traffic across one of the world’s busiest land crossings. Balakrishnan remarked that if the RTS opens as scheduled, it will make a tangible difference to the lives of thousands of daily travellers.

Woodlands Checkpoint and technological solutions

Beyond the RTS, the Singapore government is undertaking a major redevelopment of Woodlands Checkpoint to support higher volumes of people moving both ways across the border. The minister said authorities aim to expand capacity, streamline processes and improve the overall experience for travellers.

He added that both governments will continue to explore more technological solutions to handle growing traffic while maintaining security and efficiency. These efforts are intended to enhance the “lived experience” of people who cross frequently for work, study, business or family reasons.

Malaysian Journalists’ Visit Programme

The session at which Balakrishnan made these remarks took place under the Malaysian Journalists’ Visit Programme (MJVP). The MJVP is organised by the Media Division of Singapore’s Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI), with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

The programme seeks to deepen Malaysian journalists’ understanding of Singapore through exchanges with political officeholders and learning journeys that cover policy, society and bilateral ties. In this context, the discussion on the Causeway served as a practical example of how both nations manage shared infrastructure and common challenges.

Author’s summary: The article highlights Vivian Balakrishnan’s view that the century‑old Johor‑Singapore Causeway remains robust, and while expansion is possible, it will demand tight bilateral coordination and continued investment in projects like the RTS Link to ease congestion and support deeper regional integration.

Malay Mail — 2025-11-30