The southern Malaysian border is always bustling with mainly Singaporeans. Every day, the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints are jam-packed with road users as they enter either Singapore or Johor Bahru.
To avoid traffic congestion at the checkpoints, Singaporeans can now use the electronic gate (e-gate) facilities to clear customs checks.
Malaysia’s Minister of Home Affairs, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, shared a post on his Facebook affirming the news.
Early today, approximately at five o’clock, Saifuddin visited Sultan Iskandar CIQ Complex located at the heart of Johor Bahru.
He went to the immigration complex to experience the hecticness of the southern border that Malaysians and Singaporeans have to cross every day.
Saifuddin didn’t come alone. He was also with YAB Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi (Johor’s Chief Minister), YB Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (Vice President of KDN), Dato’ Sri Khairul Dzaimee Daud (General Director of Immigration), Tan Sri Acryl Sani Hj. Abdullah Sani (Inspector-General of Police), Top Management of Other Ministries and related representatives.
According to him, Tambak’s pathway is always congested, especially during peak hours. It’s burdening everyone who uses this path.
Previously, only Malaysian passport holders could use the e-gates. Therefore, to ease the congestion, it’s now open to Singaporeans. However, there are a few conditions they have to abide by.
What do Singaporeans have to do before entering the e-gate?
1) They have to prepare a copy of the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card.
- Additionally, they have to submit an online copy at least three days before arrival.
2) First-time users need to verify their biometric data at the immigration counter.
3) Once verified, enrolled visitors can now pass Malaysian e-gates without fuss.
Sources: Facebook Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Mothership, The Straits Times Asia