JOHOR BARU, MALAYSIA: The new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (CIQ) will be opened to light vehicles from May.

Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said heavy vehicles would only be able to use the complex at the end of next year once an access road known as the Medium-Term Link (MTL) was completed.

"So, until next year, heavy vehicles can still use the Tanjung Puteri Customs Complex," he said, adding that his ministry and the Finance Ministry were finalising the price of the MTL which was submitted by the contractors.

Samy Vellu, however, refused to disclose the sum submitted by the contractor for the project, which would link the CIQ to the Causeway.

He said the MTL was part of the RM1.87bil allocation for more than 15 development projects in Johor under the Ninth Malaysian Plan.

Among the other projects were the upgrading of the Perling interchange, the multi-tier flyover to Senai International Airport, two multi-tier flyovers and road upgrading in Tampoi as well as the road to Pasir Gudang and the Permas Jaya second bridge project.

On the road to Pasir Gudang and the Permas Jaya second bridge project, Samy Vellu, who launched the project yesterday, said that these projects would spur development in the Iskandar Development Region as travelling would be made easier.

"The Government also wants the people's comfort to come first. This new route will be a new alternative that will save a lot of travelling time," he said.

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said he was delighted that a 15-year wait for the project had finally come to an end.

He also hoped that the Federal Government would consider managing some state and local council roads as the state had limited funds.

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