Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has proposed a new 'straight' bridge linking Johor and Singapore in his first official visit to the island state.

proposed third link bridge to singapore 220509 The bridge, which will be built on the eastern side of Johor, will be the third link between the two countries.

Malaysia and Singapore are already connected by a bridge on the western side of Johor, called the Second Link, built to overcome traffic congestion in the 86-year-old Causeway.

At a joint media conference with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong today, Najib said that the new bridge would help to further "facilitate the movement of people and goods and services between both countries."

He said the third link will help bring development to the eastern side of Johor, in areas such as Pengerang and Desaru.

The proposal will mean that the Causeway will remain as it is.

crooked scenic bridge 110406 samy vellu looking at model Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had in early 2000 proposed for the Causeway to be replaced by a bridge.

However, when bilateral disagreements threatened to derail the plan, Mahathir decided to push ahead with a 'crooked' bridge above Malaysian waters to be connected to Singapore's side of the causeway.

This however was mothballed by Mahathir's successor, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, leading to a bitter feud between the two leaders.

Mahathir still pursuing 'crooked' bridge

Mahathir has not given up on his idea of the crooked bridge and last week he claimed there were more people supporting the project now.

Najib's proposal, which will see the Causeway remaining intact, may help him relief pressure from those seeking to revive the 'crooked' bridge proposal.

Lee even suggested that the Causeway be widened and the rail link connecting both sides improved to further ease traffic movement.

Both sides have agreed to study Najib's proposal.

"There is no great hurry, but let us commission a proper study on the viability of the project," said Najib.