Let me reiterate that this project presented special challegnes that called for a great deal of technical coordination between the two countries. Because of our different systems and requirements, we each had our own group of consultants and engineers to design and check our respective portions of the bridge. We each had our own contractors to build our own segments. What we see today is a beautiful bridge that reflects more than three years of close coordination and consultation between the officials of our two countries since we signed the Inter-Government Agreement in Kuala Lumpur in March 1994. The smooth and technically precise joining of the two spans of the bridge speaks well of the planning and engineering capabilities of both countries.
Further works remain to be done in coming months.
These include the installation of street lamps and directional signs, landscaping, and getting ready the operating systems at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex. Both sides will continue to work towards the operation of the Second Crossing Bridge on 2 Jan next year. The operation of the Second Crossing Bridge will benefit tourism and trade. There will be new opportunities for greater cooperation and interaction between our two peoples. We will find it more convenient to visit each other as this bridge is well equipped to handle efficiently the flow of human and cargo traffic.