29-6-2024 (SINGAPORE) The Johor-Singapore Causeway, a iconic link between the two neighboring countries, celebrated its 100th anniversary on June 28, marking a significant milestone in the shared history of Singapore and Malaysia. The occasion was commemorated with a ceremonial event attended by officials from both sides, symbolizing the enduring ties and aspirations for continued cooperation.
In a Facebook post, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed his anticipation for “more win-win projects” with Malaysia, highlighting the ongoing collaborations in areas such as health, education, culture, trade, the digital economy, and renewable energy.
“For the past 100 years, this has served as a link between our two peoples,” PM Wong wrote. “I look forward to strengthening the links and our relationship for the next 100 years.”
The Causeway, officially opened on June 28, 1924, stands as one of the busiest border crossings in the world, with an estimated 300,000 people traversing this vital connection daily. In 1976, it underwent an expansion, increasing its capacity from three lanes to six.
To commemorate the centennial, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan attended a celebration ceremony held at the midpoint of the Causeway on the morning of June 28. He was joined by Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Ibrahim.
During the ceremony, the ministers exchanged gifts and symbolically released 100 pigeons from a covered cage into the wild. Assistant officer Sivamani Manikam from the Johor Deputy State Secretary Office, who assisted in planning the event, explained the significance of the pigeon release, stating, “The pigeons are a peace motif, to symbolize the two countries being at peace.”
Following the ceremony, members of the Aerofly Johor RC club showcased their skills by flying nine types of aircraft, including one designed to resemble a bird, above the ministers and along the Causeway. Mohamed Noh, a club member, expressed the group’s pride in participating in the grand event, highlighting the months of practice leading up to the centennial celebration.
Additionally, about 20 volunteers from the Malaysian youth volunteer organization Southern Volunteers distributed 1,000 commemorative car decals to outgoing traffic from Singapore, further enhancing the festive atmosphere.
In his Facebook post, Dr. Balakrishnan acknowledged the Causeway as an “icon of the unique ties of kinship, friendship and interwoven history of Singapore and Johor.” He congratulated Datuk Onn Hafiz on his efforts to improve the user experience for Causeway travelers and expressed optimism for the future, stating, “Singapore and Malaysia are committed to making significant improvements in future as our relationship continues to deepen and flourish.”
