Abstract
While scholars in the region have extensively mapped research on Malaysia–Singapore relations, little has been stated about the participation of physical border landscapes in such geopolitics. The Causeway, a historic road and rail linkage between Singapore and Johor and the southernmost state in Peninsular Malaysia, serves as a case study to analyse the geopolitical landscape. The study elucidates research interests in governments’ relations and their impacts on everyday people's bordering process. The spatial transformations of the Causeway have been discussed in three phases, (i) namely the instigation of its checkpoints in 1967, (ii) its expansion in 1976–1989, and (iii) its partial transformation into a halved bridge in 2003. Until today, the Causeway's significance for people in Johor and Singapore remains, as evidenced by the massive volume of people and goods that traverse between the state capital and city-state daily. Moreover, economic and political developments are tangibly acted out in this border space and will continue to do so in years to come.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Similar content being viewed by others
Notes
- 1.
The Tuas Link, completed in 1998, is the second land infrastructure that bridges industrial areas of Singapore and Johor.
- 2.
The state of Johor, on behalf of Malaysia, is obligated to supply Singapore with water for 3 cents per 1000 gallons until 2061 under the 1960 and 1961 Water Agreements.
- 3.
Before their separation, the Causeway was managed and maintained by the Johor Causeway Control Committee under a railway operator in British Malaya (Alphonso and Lau 2011).
- 4.
While Malaysia’s UMNO favours prioritising Malay rights in its communal polity, Singapore’s PAP practises multiracial and meritocratic principles.
- 5.
Iskandar Malaysia is an economic development project in Johor’s curtilage that saw substantial foreign direct investments into the state.
- 6.
The ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, which had been governing Malaysia for 60 years since its independence in 1957, was defeated in the 2018 elections.
- 7.
The RTS, a metro system to link Singapore and Johor Bahru, is projected to be completed in 2024.
- 8.
- 9.
A short form for Singapore-Johor-Riau Islands began in 1989 as a complementary triadic agreement to make the sub-region more attractive for investors.
- 10.
In comparison, 25,000 people and 50,000 vehicles enter the USA from Mexico through the border between San Diego and Tijuana (Khor 2017).
- 11.
According to 2015 statistics from the Human Resource of Malaysia, approximately 350,000 non-permanent Malaysian residents work in Singapore (Malaysian Digest 2015).
- 12.
These included the Communist Insurgency (1946–1960) and the Indonesian Landing (1964).
- 13.
- 14.
Of Malaya’s 6.2 million population, 49.8% were Malays, 37.1% Chinese, and 11.1% Indians (Federation of Malaya 1961). Singapore’s 1.4 million population was 13.6% Malays, 75.1% Chinese, and 8.6% Indians (Colony of Singapore 1959).
- 15.
The period between August 1965 and June 1966 before Malaysia officially implemented immigration controls.
- 16.
In the 1960s, people moved casually between Johor and Singapore for everyday activities, such as purchasing lottery tickets or having a quick meal.
- 17.
In some cases, traders were unable to export goods to Singapore, even after paying tariffs (King 1965a).
- 18.
Konfrontasi, marked by bombings and acts of subversions between Indonesia and Malaysia, was ignited by Indonesia’s protest against the formation of the Federation of Malaysia.
- 19.
Of 13,910 Malaysians crossing the Causeway daily in 1965, 10,300 were Johoreans (The Straits Times 1967e).
- 20.
It was expanded in 1964, 1976, and 1989 to 1991 (Alphonso and Lau 2011).
- 21.
This came several months after the Johor Chamber of Commerce, trade associations, and customs department proposed to enlarge or build a new Causeway (The Straits Times 1972a).
- 22.
The number of vehicular lanes on the Causeway increased from three to six.
- 23.
Between 1981 and 1991, Malaysia enjoyed a substantial increase in foreign investment of around US$1 billion per annum through Johor, much of which hailed from Singapore (Bhaskaran 2016).
- 24.
In 1996 and 1998, Lee Kuan Yew criticised Malaysia’s affirmative action, remarking that it privileged Malays (Ooi 2008).
- 25.
These include disputes over Singapore land occupied by the Malaysian Railway (KTM), the sovereignty of Pedra Branca, revised prices on water sales to Singapore, and the Singapore air force access to Johor airspace.
- 26.
Via the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia (JMCIM) and the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), which administers state and private investments from Singapore.
- 27.
Mahathir, who switched allegiance to Pakatan Harapan in April 2017, became Prime Minister for a second time.
- 28.
Many development projects, either underway or approved, such as the greenlighted KL-Singapore high-speed rail link, have been halted pending a thorough review.
References
Abdullah K (2008) Johor in Malaysia-Singapore relations. In: Across the causeway: a multi-dimensional study of Malaysia-Singapore relations. Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore
Abidin MZA (2008) Malaysia-Singapore economic relations: once partners, now rivals. What next?” In: Shiraishi T (ed) Across the causeway: a multi-dimensional study of Malaysia-Singapore relations, 200–230. Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore
Alphonso G, Albert L (2011) The causeway. National Archives of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
Andaya BW, Leonard YA (1982) A History of Malaysia. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu
Barter PA (2006) Multiple dimensions in negotiating the cross border transport links that connect and divide Singapore and Johor, Malaysia. Asia Pacific Viewpoint 47(2):287–303. Available at https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8373.2006.00306.x. Accessed 24 June 2018
Bhaskaran M (2016) The political economy of closer relations: a perspective from Singapore. In: Hutchinson FE, Chong T (eds) The sijori cross-border region: transnational politics, economic and culture. ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
Chandran R (1966) Smooth first day for Singapore’s new entry controls. The Straits Times, August 2, 1966. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19660802-1.2.97 [accessed 24 June 2018]. U.S. Government Printing Office. 1959. “Colony of Singapore: Annual Report, 1958, U.S. Government Printing Office
Comaroff J (2014) Built on sand: Singapore and the new state of risk. Harvard Design Magazine, 2014. Available at http://www.harvarddesignmagazine.org/issues/39/built-on-sand-singapore-and-the-new-state-of-risk. Accessed 24 June 2018
Federation of Malaya (1961) Official yearbook 1961. Kuala Lumpur: Government Printers
Hammim R (2017) Sultan of Johor consents revised rapid transit system link alignment design. New Straits Time, November 17. Available at https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2017/11/304311/sultan-johor-consents-revised-rapid-transit-system-link-alignment-design. Accessed on 24 June 2018
Hocking B (1993) Localising foreign policy: non-central governments and multi-layered diplomacy. St Martin’s Press
Hui W (1997) Regionalization, economic restructuring and labour migration in Singapore. Int Migr 35(1):109–130
Hutchinson FE, Nair VP (2016) The Johor sultanate: rise or re-emergence? Trends in Southeast Asia
IRDA (2015) Annual report 2015. Iskandar Regional Development Authority. Available at http://iskandarmalaysia.com.my/downloads/IRDA%20ENG%202015.pdf. Accessed 24 June 2018
Jaipragas B (2018) Old Mahathir could be frosty with Singapore. New Mahathir …? South China Morning Post, May 19. Available at http://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/2146854/old-mahathir-mohamad-was-not-always-pals-singapore-what-about-new. Accessed 24 June 2018
Khor YL (2016) Political contestation in Iskandar Malaysia. In: Hutchinson FE, Chong T (eds) The Sijori cross-border region: transnational politics, economic and culture. ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
Khor YL (2017) Commentary: Johor-Singapore tolls and the impact on commuters on both sides of the causeway. Channel News Asia. Available at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/commentary-johor-singapore-tolls-and-the-impact-on-commuters-on-9376738. Accessed 24 June 2018
King SS (1965a) Malaysians face test in Singapore: economic tie strained as products start piling up. New York Times
King SS (1965b) The future of Malaysia: separation raises many questions, answers few. New York Times.
Lim Y (2015) The big read: Iskandar’s lure is a strong pull for S’poreans. TODAYonline. Available at https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/big-read-iskanders-lure-strong-pull-sporeans. Accessed 24 June 2018
Malaysian Digest (2015) Working in Singapore vs Malaysia: is the grass always greener on the other side? Available at http://www.malaysiandigest.com/opinion/559568-working-in-singapore-vs-malaysia-is-the-grass-always-greener-on-the-other-side.html. Accessed 24 June 2018
Mohamad, K (2015) Malaysia Singapore: fifty years of contentions 1965–2015. The Other Press, Kuala Lumpur
New Nation (1972) Improving traffic across the Singapore-Johor causeway, June 5, 1972. Newspaper SG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/newnation19720605-1.2.44.2. Accessed 24 June 2018
New Nation (1974) “$1.2 Million Bridge for Traffic from Johor,” April 9, 1974. Newspaper SG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/newnation19740409-1.2.16.1. Accessed 24 June 2018
New York Times (1966) Malaysia imposing Singapore checks. April 20. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The New York Times
Oh, S-A, Jagtiani RB (2016) Singaporeans living in Johor and Batam: next-door transnationalism living and border anxiety. In: Hutchinson FE, Chong T (eds) The Sijori cross-border region: transnational politics, economic and culture. ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
Omar M (2008) Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation | Infopedia. Singapore Infopedia. 2008. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1072_2010-03-25.html. Accessed 23 June 2018
Ooi KG (2008) Politics divided: Malaysia-Singapore relations. In: Across the causeway: a multi-dimensional study of Malaysia-Singapore relations. Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore, pp 80–91
Rizzo A, Glasson J (2011) Conceiving transit space in Singapore/Johor: a research agenda for the strait transnational Urban Region (STUR). Int J Urban Sustain Dev 3(2):156–67. Available at https://doi.org/10.1080/19463138.2011.590722. Accessed 24 June 2018
Rizzo A, Glasson J (2012) Iskandar Malaysia. Cities 29(6):417–27. Available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2011.03.003. Accessed 24 June 2018
Rizzo A, Khan S (2013) Johor Bahru’s response to transnational and national influences in the emerging straits Mega-City Region. Habitat International 40(October): 154–62. Available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2013.03.003. Accessed 24 June
Sam J (1967) “Don’t travel yet’ advice,” July 4. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19670704-1.2.83. Accessed 24 June 2018
Tan L (2016) How feasible is it to move to Johor Bahru and Drive back and forth for work and school? The Straits Time, May 28. Available at https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/motoring/how-feasible-is-it-to-move-to-johor-baru-and-drive-back-and-forth-for-work-and. Accessed at 24 June 2018
Thayer CA (2008) “Political Relations.” In: Across the causeway: a multi-dimensional study of Malaysia-Singapore Relations. Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore, pp 80–91
The Star Online (2016) Consider replacing the causeway, says sultan Available at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/03/23/consider-replacing-the-causeway-says-sultan-more-reports-tomorrow/. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1965a) Causeway always open to Malaysians says Toh, August 10. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/DigitisedArticle/straitstimes1965a0810-1.2.116. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1965b) Johor causeway traffic movement normal. August 10. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes1965b0810-1.2.83.14. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1965c) No Wall At Causeway, August 30. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes1965c0830-1.2.99.1. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1965d) Causeway trade—guts of the problem. September 17. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes1965d0917-1.2.75.1. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1965e) Work Permits, October 18. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes1965e1018-1.2.85.2. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1966a) Sudden check on causeway for Singapore travellers, April 17. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes1966a0417-1.2.18. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1966b) ‘Security Move...’ Spore identity card holders must report to police on arrival in Malaysia, April 20. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19660420-1.2.2. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1966c) ‘Drop Causeway Clamp’ Call in Spore, April 23. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes1966b0423-1.2.55. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1966d) “Don’t Turn Causeway into a Wall Says Devan,” April 24. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes1966c0424-1.2.20.36. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1966e) Dividing the same people, April 30. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes1966d0430-1.2.123.2 Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1966f) “Causeway Clamp for the Sake of National Security,” May 6. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes1966e0506-1.2.10. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1966g) “$lm Causeway Checkpoint,” June 16. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes1966f0616-1.2.70. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1966h) “Johor Call to Demolish Causeway,” July 12. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes1966g0712-1.2.49. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1966i) Causeway controls will not hit spore Citizens, July 14. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes1966h0714-1.2.7. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1966j) “Causeway Clamp ‘Not Aimed at Causing Hardship,’” July 15. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes1966i0715-1.2.141. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1966k) Causeway Permits ‘Nothing but a Barricade Bid,’ October 19. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes1966j1019-1.2.158. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1967a) In between—the Causeway..., February 24. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes1967a0224-1.2.111. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1967b) Passport Or I-Card? March 21. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes1967b0321-1.2.76.1. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1967c) “Singapore to issue ‘causeway’ passports,” April 14. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes1967c0414-1.2.7. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1967d) Spore all set for entry control, June 30. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes1967d0630-1.2.93. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1967e) It’s on: full travel control, September 10. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes1967e0910-1.2.9. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1972a) Call to govt to enlarge causeway or build new one, January 24. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes1972a0124-1.2.73. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1972b) Malaysia to start talks on widening the causeway, May 23. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes1972b0523-1.2.88. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1972c) Hush hush talks on wider causeway, November 14. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes1972c1114-1.2.34. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (1988) 7.2 ha of reclaimed land in JB plan, August 20. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19880820-1.2.20. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (2006) KL issues causeway statement, April 26. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19880820-1.2.20. Accessed 24 June 2018
The Straits Times (2015) Najib, Mahathir on ‘Crooked Bridge’: what is the issue about, April 13. Available at https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/najib-mahathir-on-crooked-bridge-what-is-the-issue-about. Accessed 24 June 2018
TODAYonline (2016) Hard work pays off better in Singapore, say Malaysian odd job workers. Available at https://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/hard-work-pays-better-across-causeway-say-malaysian-odd-job-workers. Accessed 24 June 2018
TODAYonline (2017) China overtakes Singapore as top property investor in Malaysia. Available at https://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/china-overtakes-singapore-top-property-investor-malaysia-report. Accessed 24 June 2018
TODAYonline (2018) Distrust, Disconnect Cause Johoreans to Spurn China, Embrace Singapore. Available at https://www.todayonline.com/world/distrust-disconnect-cause-johoreans-spurn-china-embrace-singapore. Accessed 24 June 2018
Wilson TM, Donnan H (2012) Borders and border studies. In: A companion to border studies, 1st edn. Blackwell Publishing Ltd., New York, United States, pp 1–25
World Bank (2018a) Malaysia trade at a glance: most recent values. Malaysia trade at a glance: most recent values. 2018a. Available at https://wits.worldbank.org/countrysnapshot/en/MYS. Accessed 25 June 2018a
World Bank (2018b) Singapore trade at a glance: most recent values. Malaysia trade at a glance: most recent values. 2018b. Available at https://wits.worldbank.org/countrysnapshot/en/SGP. Accessed 25 June 2018b
Yap YF (2001) The wild days of the causeway. Today, January 8. Sec. Shared Memories. NewspaperSG. Available at http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised?article/today20010108-1.2.19.3. Accessed 25 June 2018
Ye J (2016) Commuting to Singapore: Johorean Malaysians. In: Class inequality in the global city: migrants, workers and cosmopolitanism in Singapore. Palgrave Macmillan UK, pp 93–117
Zhai K (2018) The leader who wanted a ‘Crooked Bridge’ with Singapore is back. bloomberg. Available at https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-13/the-leader-who-wanted-a-crooked-bridge-with-singapore-is-back. Accessed 1 July 2018
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2023 Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Tan, C.H., Chung, S. (2023). Malaysia-Singapore Geopolitics Spatialised: The Causeway as a Palimpsest. In: Zaman, Q.M., Hall, G.G. (eds) Border Urbanism. The Urban Book Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-06604-7_9
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-06604-7_9
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-031-06603-0
Online ISBN: 978-3-031-06604-7
eBook Packages: Earth and Environmental ScienceEarth and Environmental Science (R0)