Written by Massita Ahmad
SINGAPORE, Feb 18 (Bernama) — Singapore’s proposal to purchase two Malaysian-owned plots of land affected by the Woodlands Checkpoint (WCP) redevelopment is still being considered by Malaysian authorities.
Datuk Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore Dr Azfar Mohamad Mustafar said it was logical for Singapore to purchase the land, but what was important was whether Malaysia wanted to sell or exchange the land, which both countries had done so far. He said that the decision has been made, but no decision has been made yet.
“Singapore has sent a letter to Malaysia (for land purchase). The relevant authorities in Malaysia are reviewing and considering the matter. So far, we have not received any feedback from the relevant authorities,” he said on Saturday. Azfar said this after meeting with Malaysian journalists.
Azfar said all government land outside the country is registered under the Federal Land Commissioner (Pesurjaya Tanah Persekutuan).
He said Singapore last year announced its intention to purchase freehold land totaling about 2.3 acres in size.
Azfar said he had proposed land in exchange for the land in question, but that the federal government would ultimately decide on the issue.
In September 2010, Singapore and Malaysia entered into a land swap agreement to resolve the acquisition of Malayan Railway land in the Republic, including three parcels each in Tanjong Pagar, Kranji and Woodlands, and another three parcels in Bukit Timah. did.
In exchange, Singapore offered four plots of land in Marina South and two plots of land in Ophir Rochor.
The Immigration Authority of Singapore (ICA) recently announced that it will redevelop the WCP as a more sustainable and long-term solution to address chronic congestion on the land route between the Republic and Malaysia.
The redeveloped WCP is scheduled to start operating in stages from 2028.
ICA said it conducted extensive feasibility and technical studies to determine the optimal land area needed to meet future demand.
The land needed for WCP redevelopment can only be provided through land acquisition and reclamation.
Asked whether Malaysia still owns land in Singapore, Mr Azfar said: “Yes. “We (the federal government) have several pieces of land around the island. One of them is a one-acre piece of land in Dutch Village,” Azfar said. It added that this does not include land.
— Bernama
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