Sources told StarBiz the allocation, part of the RM12.2bil package for SJER, would be used to upgrade existing infrastructure and construct new facilities. 

“The money is ready to be released any time now as the Prime Minister wants the infrastructure projects to start as soon as possible,” said the sources. 

They said the tendering process for the projects would be through relevant departments such as the Public Works Department and the Economic Planning Unit. 

A view of Johor Baru, The South Johor Economic Region is poised for tremendous growth under the Ninth Malaysian Plan.

They said Khazanah Nasional Bhd, which had been given a mandate to act as planner and co-ordinator, would not be involved in awarding the projects. 

Many had thought Khazanah would award the bulk of the infrastructure projects to government-linked companies, including UEM World Bhd. 

“It is wrong to say that Khazanah will have the final say. The process will be transparent and everybody can vie for the projects,” the sources reiterated. 

The sources said Khazanah had no interest to hold on as the SJER planner and coordinator, and that a consortium would be set up to monitor the progress of SJER. 

Khazanah is likely to hand over its “power” early next year and Konsortium Prasarana Rakyat Johor will be one of the bodies in the grouping. 

SJER, covering Senai in the north, Pasir Gudang in the east and Tanjung Pelepas/Gelang Patah in the west, is one of the key areas that have been identified for expansion under the 9MP. 

Among the new infrastructure projects in the SJER are the Permas Second Bridge, 11km coastal road from Danga Bay to Bandar Nusajaya and 11km coastal road from Permas to Pasir Gudang. 

Existing roads to be upgraded include the Inner Ring Road from Jalan Storey near the Gerbang Perdana complex and Jalan Yusof Taha. 

The upgrading also involves the Middle Ring Road from Jalan Tun Razak to the Senai Highway and the Outer Ring Road from Jalan Tebrau to the Pandan intersection. 

From there, the Outer Ring Road would be extended to Ulu Tiram where it would link up to the Senai-Desaru Highway.  

“The construction of new roads and upgrading of existing roads is important to ensure that the anticipated increase of traffic volume is efficiently catered for,” said the sources. 

Part of the infrastructure allocation would be used for cleaning rivers, security enhancement and upgrading the sewerage and drainage systems in the Central Business District (CBD). 

Rivers to be cleaned up are Sungai Segget, Sungai Pandan and Sungai Skudai. The main objective of this exercise is to bring life back to these rivers. 

The high crime rate in Johor Baru has caused concern among many parties and money will be spent to enhance security. 

Sources said it was important to improve security as the large scale development in the SJER would pose a challenge for the police force. 

“Johor Baru is in the limelight for the wrong reasons; we have to do something to gain the confidence of visitors and investors,” the sources added. 

The sewerage systems in the CBD from Jalan Datuk Sulaiman to Jalan Wong Ah Fook and Lido beach will be upgraded. 

There is a dire need to replace these systems as most of the piping is old and cannot cope with the rapid development in Johor Baru district. 

The drainage and irrigation at the estuaries of Sungai Tebrau, Sungai Masai, Sungai Skudai and Sungai Plentong will be improved to prevent flash floods. 

The package will include the beautification of the 20km waterfront promenade starting from the Tanjung Puteri Customs and Quarantine Complex to the state’s new administrative centre Nusajaya. 

Reviving the seafront and water-related activities is one of the main objectives under the tourism-related component in the SJER. 

Facilities for the water transport system will include water taxi services and cover Tanjung Puteri, Danga Bay, Tanjung Pelepas and Nusajaya. 

“The water taxi services might extend to Singapore to attract visitors from there, especially with the upcoming casino and integrated resort,” the sources said. 

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abduallah Ahmad Badawi is scheduled to visit Johor on Aug 14 to announce details of the SJER. 

Source : The Star 01/08/2006