Happy Chinese New Year!

马新两国同意增巴士双边服务

马新两国同意增巴士双边服务

深受关注的马新捷运系统，马来西亚依斯干达特区部长级联合委员会将于今年底达致共识，两国也同意增加巴士双边服务，从现有的16趟次增加至20趟次，加强双边的巴士网络系统。

该委员会（JMCIM）今日在新加坡乌节路假日酒店今日召开第10次会议。这项会议由首相署部长拿督斯里阿都瓦希及新加坡国家发展部部长许文远共同主持。出席者包括柔佛州务大臣拿督莫哈末卡立丶新加坡交通部部长吕德耀等人。

交通连接工作小组也在交通连接合作上取得进展，并同意增加巴士双边服务，从现有的16趟次增加至20趟次。此外，也会重新检讨新的停靠站，以加强双边的巴士网络系统。

委员会表示，在2013年2月份，马新两国领袖新加坡总理李显龙和马来西亚首相拿督斯里纳吉在双边会谈中，将往返吉隆坡和新加坡的马新高速铁路（HSR）项目交由该委员会去探讨细节和形式。

马新高速铁路工作小组自2013年12月组成后取得很好的进展，商讨工作已经在今年一月份展开。

此外，委员会表示，工业合作小组会展开4个领域共同合作，包括先进机械工程丶电子业丶创新服务及食品业。

委员会也持续关注马新两国通关的提升进展，其中2009年自动通关系统设立至今，已有37万1916名人士申请使用有关系统。单在2013年，申请通关的人数就多达12万7012人。

委员会也指出，马新两国联营的保建城计划顺利按照进度进行，相信可以在2015年完工。在保健成计划下所兴建的首期排屋，预料将于今年上半年推出市场。

～以上新闻转载自东方日报～

Traffic crunch expected at S’pore-M’sia land borders

Traffic crunch expected at S’pore-M’sia land borders over Lunar New Year weekend

Expect a traffic crunch going to and from Malaysia at Singapore's land borders over the coming Lunar New Year weekend.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has advised motorists to adjust travel plans if possible, with traffic expected to be especially heavy from January 28 to February 2.

The ICA said vehicle build-ups are inevitable, as it seeks to improve clearance efficiency without compromising security.

With a recent incident that saw a Malaysian woman slip past checkpoints, authorities will be watching every vehicle closely; add in the usual inspections, and delays will be likely.

If necessary, canines will be called upon to sniff out any suspicious activity.

Immigration and auxiliary police officers work together to facilitate smooth and orderly border clearances, and authorities have asked for travellers' understanding, especially in situations where motorists converge at checkpoints at the same time.

For now, motorists are bracing for the traffic crunch, or may even avoid it totally.

Businessman Tan Chee Seng said: "I’m not coming to the Causeway because the traffic is too (heavy)… the jam is three hours!"

Lee Cheng Hwi, a draftsman, said: "Maybe come out early, plan your time well, before you actually cross the border."

Tay Wee Khoon, a production line leader, said: "I want to avoid the (traffic) jam, that's why I don't want to cross over the bridge."

So for motorists still planning on making the road trip -- be prepared, or consider alternatives such as car-pooling.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

Bangkok state of emergency

Bangkok state of emergency

The Thai government has declared a state of emergency in the capital Bangkok and surrounding areas to cope with protests aimed at forcing the prime minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, from power. Chalerm Yubumrung, Thailand's labour minister, announced that the restrictions would last 60 days. "We need it because the protesters have closed government buildings, banks and escalated the situation, which has caused injuries and deaths. 

The government sees the need to announce the emergency decree to keep the situation under control," the minister said. The decree will allow security agencies to impose curfews, detain suspects without charge, censor media, ban political gatherings of more than five people and declare areas off-limits. Yingluck said police, not the military, would mainly be used and her government had no intention of confronting the protesters.

~Info courtesy of Wikitravel~

Happy New Year 2014