THE pedestrian shortcut to Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (CIQ) should be gazetted as an alternative entrance into the checkpoint.
Stulang assemblyman Andrew Chen Kah Eng said the move could significantly reduce congestion at two existing entrances which are located along Jalan Jim Quee and Jalan Tun Razak in Johor Baru.
“Opening up the shortcut will give people an alternative route to get to BSI CIQ,” he told StarMetro.
“The shortcut, however, is not designed to accommodate pedestrians.
“As such, I suggest the state government gazette the area as an official entrance to BSI first.
“This will give the authorities time to carry out work to make it safer for pedestrian use.”
Chen, who is also former chairman of the task force looking into congestion at BSI CIQ, added that the shortcut, before it was closed in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, was used by thousands of travellers.
“Government bodies such as Public Works Department (JKR), Johor Baru City Council (MBJB), Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the police must get together to discuss the feasibility of turning this shortcut into an entrance.
Chen visiting the route near BSI CIQ which he hopes can be gazetted and designed for pedestrian use. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
“I am certain that once the shortcut has been equipped with proper facilities like lighting, many people will use it again.”
Asked if a pedestrian overhead bridge should be built to connect BSI with Hako Hotel formally known as Lion City Hotel, Chen said it was not feasible since a flyover bridge exists in the area.
The Star previously highlighted that thousands of pedestrians had asked for the shortcut to be reopened.
On a separate matter, Chen urged the Malaysian government to remove the requirement for foreigners to get their passports stamped upon entering and exiting the country.
“By doing this, we will be able to save seven seconds per person.
“This will help reduce congestion at our two border crossings with Singapore,” he said.
“This is a move that has been taken by many countries, including Singapore.”
He also urged Singaporean visitors to take up the one-time registration option and use the autogate for faster immigration clearance.
