SINGAPORE — Malaysia has renewed its strict ban on walking across the Causeway, citing safety risks and installing a new 'no walking' sign that has created a cross-border policy clash, as Singaporean authorities maintain there is no such prohibition on their side of the 1.05km bridge.

The conflicting rules have sparked confusion and frustration among thousands of daily commuters who see the risky trek as a last resort against crippling traffic congestion, The Straits Times reported

Responding to queries, the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) and concessionaire PLUS Malaysia Berhad reaffirmed the ban.

“Users are not allowed to walk along the Johor Causeway, whether from the Malaysian border to Singapore or from the Singapore border to Malaysia,” LLM said, citing safety and trespassing concerns.

“Walking along the Johor Causeway is not only dangerous but also violates established regulations.”

Under Malaysian law, those who defy traffic signs can be fined between RM300 and RM2,000.

This prohibition has been in place since the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex opened in 2008

A sign at the BSI explicitly warns that the route towards Woodlands is a restricted area for pedestrians and that any accidents are at their own risk.