Geography

The Straits of Johor (also known as the Tebrau Strait, Johor Strait, Selat Johor, Selat Tebrau, and Tebrau Reach) is a narrow stretch of water that separates Johor state, Malaysia from Singapore.

Major tributaries which empty into Straits of Johor

1. Sg. Tebrau
2. Sg. Segget
3. Sg. Johor
4. Sg. Sengkuang
5. Sg. Haji Rahmat
6. Sg. Kempas
7. Sg. Sri Buntan
8. Sg. Abd Samad
9. Sg. Air Molek
10. Sg. Stulang
11. Sg. Setanggong
12. Sg. Tampoi
13. Sg. Sebulong
14. Sg. Bala
15. Sg. Pandan
16. Sg. Tengkorak
17. Sg. Plentong
18. Sg. Senibong

History

The Straits of Johor is the location of two Victoria Cross deeds. The award was for Lieutenant Ian Edward Fraser and A/Leading Seaman James Joseph Magennis for the sinking of the 9850 tonnes Japanese cruiser Takao on 31st July 1945 .

There are two current man-made land connections over the straits. There is a causeway between Johor Bahru and Woodlands, Singapore - called "The Causeway" - and there is a bridge further west between Gelang Patah in Johor and Tuas in Singapore - called "The Second Link".

In 2003 Malaysia wanted to build a bridge across the strait to replace the existing causeway, but negotiations with Singapore were not successful. The main reasons cited for the change were:

1. a bridge would allow free flow of water across both sides of the straits which were artificially cut in two with the building of the causeway before.
2. a bridge would help ease congestion in Johor Baru.

In August 2003, Malaysia announced that it was going ahead with a plan to build a gently sloping, curved bridge that would join up with Singapore's half of the existing causeway. The plans included a swing bridge for the railway line. [1] (http://www.singapore-window.org/sw03/030217st.htm)

The area is also a source of contention due to Singapore's land reclamation projects of its north-east islands. There have been suggestions that the ongoing land reclamation projects may impact the maritime boundary, shipping lanes, and water ecology of the Malaysian side.

Places of Interest

Straits of Johor most famous tourist attraction is the Lido Beach. here, visitors can walk or cycle along the 2km stretch of the beach. There are also numerous restaurants and food stalls like Tepian Tebrau where one can sample delicacies Johor Bahru can offer.