It’s the silly season again.
The takeover of IJN (thankfully aborted).
The proposed Sime Darby-Air Asia airport in Negri Sembilan.
Not to be left out, the Malacca government has suggested a fanciful RM38 billion 52km bridge from Malacca to Sumatra.
The bridge proposal is of course a resurrection of the old Mahathir administration’s ‘brainwave’ of a Malaysia-Sumatra bridge, which was fortunately scrapped with the onset of the East Asian financial crisis in 1997.
If I remember correctly, the estimated cost mentioned back then was RM60 billion?
These guys don’t know the meaning of sustainable transport and global warming, much less ‘opportunity cost’. At least Najib is smart enough to say the ferry service is sufficient. He says a feasibility study is needed first to evaluate this “bright” idea.
Says blog reader Ganesh:
Look at this brilliant idea. Only BN can think of it. The people here are suffering … and we want to spend RM38 billion on a bridge? With RM38 billion, we can lift every poor person in Malaysia to middle-class level.
This report from the NST:
MALACCA: The government will conduct a feasibility study on the suggested 52km bridge linking Malacca to Dumai in Sumatra, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said.
He said the study would determine the viability of the bridge, taking into consideration the cost, expected revenue and present economic situation.
“It may become a reality in the near future. But for now, I think the ferry service is sufficient.”
The Malacca government had earlier suggested the construction of the bridge which was estimated to cost US$11 billion (RM38 billion).
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam had said that the bridge would have great economic potential, considering the population in Sumatra had reached 70 million compared with Singapore with only four million.
He said the idea of the bridge had been raised in 1995, but was put on hold a few years later due to the financial crisis then affecting both countries.
“There are numerous factors to consider before we can embark on such a huge project. We will decide after a feasibility study is done.”
ferry services is just sufficient enough.i dont think by building a bridge from Melaka to Sumatra is a wise action.at least not for now since there’s huge possibly we have to undergo a crucil economic crisis ahead.but for now just stick to the ferry,will ya.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
It’s a good idea. Let’s build it but just don’t use our taxpayers’ money is all I ask.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Ali, Ah Chong and Muthu build a house. House only cost RM 1 million. But Ali tells his father the house cost RM10 mil. The father pays Ali RM10 mil from the family’s savings. Ali then pockets the RM9 mil and jollies with Ah Chong and Muthu.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Everytime somebody proposes something another will say, let us set up a committee to study the viability of the socalled project and in this case ‘ the bridge ‘. Well, this idea alone will cause us as taxpayers to foot the bill for those consultants (cronies likely).
There is no free lunch and the bright idea from some politicians will cause fellow Malaysians to suffer for a long, long time.
Just look at the issues of those tolls, water, electricity / IPPs’ and many others that have burdened us all these years. The increase in rates will be soon and the govt need to pay millions per month if the increase is not pass on to consumers.
When will the people ever learn that in Malaysia, privatisation of any project simply means piratisation as all the lucrative ones are given to close cronies with negotiation. Everything that can make money is already taken care off by the ‘big brothers’. In other countries any privitisation usually means that the private co. can offer a better or cheaper service than the govt. BUT in most of our cases, it simply means to offer lucrative contracts to those well connected as ‘golden handshake’ for them to act as warlords and also kingmaker.
We need to oppose this project as we are not rich enough to throw good money into the sea. Since Sumatra is so prone to earthquake, what kind of design can withstand the forces of nature ? Many politicians of the ruling regime will think of projects that have national / world impact and leave a legacy for other politicians. We cannot afford to sit back and watch these politicians run this country to the ground with their fantasy as the consequences will be far-reaching for generation to come.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Good idea, I need not buy a boat to do some deep sea fishing.
Perhaps, the Malacca State govt having the same idea in mind.
Anil, if only they know how to use the worth of every cent they spend, Malaysia will be far better place for everyone. But, the usual same old tune is played, “What is there for me!”
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
wasting money! Why not used RM5 billion to build penang bridge .. Building this bridge will bring more and more Indonesians to our country .. sooner Melaka will be take over by foreigner .. Look at Kota raya now …..
RM38 billion why not used to build a bridge to link Kelantan to Sarawak .. top up little bit ….
RM38 billion why not used to give free education to everyone .. from kindergarden to secondary school ….
The idiots compare Sumatra and Singapore ..
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
This is a damn good idea to start a brainstorming session. Breaking out of the chain. Thinking out of the box. Blue Ocean thinking. And all that mambo jumbo. We should not restrict creative thinking.
I wish I had thought of it.
But after all the blue sky, let us get real. How much trade do we have going on between Malaysia and Sumatra to justify and pay for a 38B RM bridge?
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I have an even better idea.
Since, Malaysia is not building the crooked bridge to Singapore. Why dont we built this bridge to Sumatra and then build from Sumatra to Singapore. Then it is 2 times 38B RM. Lot more commissions that way.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
So, now the cat`s out of the bag. In `97, mahathir wanted to do the bridge at RM60B, and now the cost is RM38B.
IS UMNO saying the difference was meant for mahathir`s own treasury? Or were there other BN polticos who would share the “spoils” (e.g. chief minister, m`cca would be entitled to a share)?
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
D*mn man LKY,
Ive been laughing for the last 5 mins..thats a good one.yet i dun dare dismiss it as a joke.With the current ideas issuing from the bright sparks,it might actually be proposed!
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
what if the indonesia doesn’t agree?
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
TYPICAL UMNO PEOPLE. RM38 BILLION TO BUILD A BRIDGE FROM MALACCA TO SUMATRA. AND EVEN SUGGESTING IT DURING THE PRESENT ECONOMIC MELTDOWN. WHAT TYPE OF BRAIN DO THIS GUY HAVE. IF YOU ASK ME! I WILL SAY THAT HE GOT MONEY BRAIN. RIGHT? IF APPROVED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, SOMEBODY IN MALACCA WILL BE FILTHY RICH DUE TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BRIDGE. RIGHT? …
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Melaka is a small state so little vanilla. I never blame politician. They just wanna make some hay during sunny days.
Just ask anybody how long is the waiting time at the ferry terminal to Sumatera from melaka and then compare with the waiting time at Merak (near Jakarta). See where the private money go.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
LKY….Brilliant….simply brilliant….you can definitely qualify as their consultant.
Bro – Dont give them ideas, it might just happen
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I think this is the most stupid idea that Ali rustam had ever suggested in his life. Let Umno uses their corruption money to build it. Who are they to use our(taxpayers) money to build the bridge? Do a survey among the people before spend people’s money.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
4 million Singaporean’s purchasing power is many time over that 70 millions in Sumatra lah. This CM of Malacca is living in caves!
Most of these Sumatra Indonesian come over here to take up citizenship/cari makan, not to spend money as tourist like the Singaporeans. In fact, in has become a social burden to Malaysia already.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
The bridge is for Ali Rustam, Khir Toyo, Muhammad Muhammad Taib & their gang to flee across the Straits of Melaka … when BN gets booted from power. Or perhaps Umno intends to invite hordes of Sumatrans to relocate to Peninsular Malaysia to improve the demographics in favor of Ketuanan Melayu?
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
NAJIB, WHY NOT MAKE A DIRECT BRIDGE FROM THE BARISAN NASIONAL UMNO HEADQUARTERS OR YOUR OFFICIAL RESIDENCE IN PUTRAJAYA TO SUMATERA HA.
MALAYSIANS MUST COME OUT IN FULL FORCE TO PROTEST AGAINST THIS BRIDGE PROJECT.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
a fast train from KL to Singapore is very much needed and beneficial for both countries, and will be profitable.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Aiyah! They all jealous of Penang, cos Penang gonna get a second bridge. Melaka none but they wanna one because they already got Eye of Melaka. No need to make any survey or research. Just do it lah!
Making researches also cost money, and maybe more than RM38B. Better still link one bridge to Brunei as well! Not very far at all lah!
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
A most stupid idea to me.
Next, they will build toll to collect toll charges for the passing ships. I wonder are these people dumb or genius?
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Wat a total crap…..please shut the … off if there is no other best ideas. we M’sian who outside M’sia already feel humilated by all those stupid ideas given by all the stupid goons and feel embrassed to say we are M’sian. We had enough…..
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Reminds me of the old legend from melaka, THE BRIDGE TO GUNUNG LEDANG. …Look at this person (Rastam), under his stewerdship the state has become bangkrupt and cannot meet its daily running costs and he wants a bridge, what a moron.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
How many schools and hospitals can be built and operated with RM38 billion? Why is the Malaysian government so in love with bridges? Do Malaysians need more schools and hospitals or another bloody bridge? And what’s the purpose of this bridge? So we can make it easier for illegal immigrants to cross over into Melaka? Damn these bird-brained politicians.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
what if the indonesia doesn’t agree?
Then we build a half-bridge! Cars can then drive down to ferries waiting at the other end of the half-bridge in the middle of the straits.
Complain about this comment
Like or Dislike:
0 
0