Johor Bahru, Saturday, 15 April 2006 , YABhg. Tun Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohamad, paid a visit to the Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu project site in Bukit Chagar, Johor Bahru. YABhg. Tun was accompanied by Menteri Besar Johor, YAB Dato’ Hj. Abdul Ghani Othman, Speaker Dewan Undangan Negeri, YB Dato’ Hj. Mohd Ali Bin Hassan and Johor State EXCO members.

During his tenure as Prime Minister of Malaysia, YABhg. Tun's had made three official visits to GSB project site. His maiden visit was in 21 February 2002, 2 nd visit was the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the construction of the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) project held on 14 February 2003 and lastly the Launching of the Road and Rail Bridge project at Menara Kastam, Larkin on 21 August 2003.

YABhg. Tun's arrival at the site office was warmly received by Ir. Ng Ah Kow, Construction Director of JKR-GSB, Board of Directors of Gerbang Perdana Sdn Bhd (GPSB) namely, YBhg. Tan Sri Razali Ismail, Chairman, YB Dato’ Yahya A. Jalil, Managing Director, Mr Yoong Hoi Shing, Executive Director, Tn. Hj. Azahar Abdul Aziz, En. Kamal Hisham and Tn. Hj. Rostam Razali. Among others present were Members of Parliament, State Assemblymen of Johor, Johor State Secretary, Mayor of Johor Bahru, Director of Customs Johor, Johor State Government officers and staff of JKR and GPSB.

Breakfast was served to YABhg. Tun and the entourage upon their arrival at the site office. Thereafter, they proceeded for the project briefing which was presented by Ir. Ng Ah Kow. The one-hour Power Point presentation included photo slides of YABhg. Tun's previous visits, project video and current work progress.

At the exhibition hall, YABhg. Tun was given a briefing by Ir. Ng Ah Kow on the project model and viewing of project photographs. In conjunction with the visit, GPSB contributed RM5,000 cheque to Spastic Children Association in Johor Bahru which was presented by YABhg. Tun.

A group photography session was held prior to a tree planting ceremony at the site office compound. Subsequently, YABhg. Tun and the entourage were taken for a 40-minute tour of the CIQ Complex which is under construction. At the site, the walkabout briefing was carried out jointly by Ir. Ng Ah Kow and YB Dato’ Yahya A. Jalil.

Before ending his visit, YABhg. Tun gave a 20-minute press conference which was held in the site office.

Later, YABhg. Tun and his entourage adjourned to Menteri Besar Johor’s residence for lunch before returning to Kuala Lumpur .