MCA today urged the Malaysian and Singapore governments to hold further talks on the bridge project to replace the existing causeway in the Tebrau Strait as it was of the opinion both countries would benefit immensely if the bridge was built.

Its president Dr Chua Soi Lek said it was important that the bridge be built not only because it would help traffic congestion, but also spur economic growth in Johor.

"I was informed by elected representatives from Johor that they wished to see the bridge built because of the economic benefits it will bring," he told a press conference after chairing a meeting of MCA's presidential council in Kuala Lumpur today.

Also present at the meeting were MCA deputy president Liow Tiong Lai, MCA secretary-general Kong Cho Ha, vice presidents Dr

Ng Yen Yen, Donald Lim Siang Chai, Chor Chee Heung and Gan Ping Sieu, MCA Youth chief Wee Ka Siong and Wanita MCA chief Yu Chok Tow.

The bridge project was cancelled by former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in April 2006.

In other developments, Dr Chua said Liow would head a special committee to help resolve woes faced by farmers in Cameron Highlands who are facing eviction for encroaching on to road reserve land.

He also said MCA would be organising a Chinese economic congress on Aug 14 which was aimed at complementing the government's efforts in implementing the New Economic Model (NEM) and 10th Malaysia Plan.

- Bernama