Johor Immigration Dept gearing up for festive rush

JOHOR BARU: The Johor Immigration Department anticipates more than 400,000 travellers entering Malaysia through the Causeway and Second Link during the Chinese New Year period.

Director Baharuddin Tahir said the department has implemented several measures to alleviate traffic congestion at both the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine checkpoints.

“We expect heavy traffic two days before Chinese New Year, which falls on Saturday. During last year’s festival, we recorded a total of 348,693 people entering Malaysia through the Causeway and Second Link.

“This year, we expect the number to be higher as it coincides with the school holidays,” he told a press conference here yesterday.

Baharuddin added that throughout January, over five million travellers entered Malaysia through the Causeway and Second Link.

In anticipation of the surge, the department will be fully staffed, with time off only given to those celebrating Chinese New Year.

Baharuddin added that the department will be activating its quick response team at both BSI and KSAB to ensure smooth operations.

“This is to make sure that all 284 Immigration counters at BSI and 169 counters at KSAB remain open during this period.

“We will also be activating contra-flow lanes for buses and cars to help the traffic flow,” he said, adding that police will also be helping with traffic control.

He reminded travellers to ensure they have made necessary preparations, including checking the validity of their travel documents and ensuring sufficient balance in their Touch ‘n Go cards to pay for road charges at BSI and KSAB.

Foreigners, except Singaporeans, planning to travel into Malaysia through the checkpoints during this period are advised to fill out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card at least three days before starting their journey.

Baharuddin said this is one of the factors that contribute to congestion at both entry points from Singapore.

The department director also reminded travellers to practise patience at all times during their travel in Malaysia and to avoid provoking other road users and Malaysian authorities as any delay would cause further disruption to their travel.

“Please visit the Johor Immigration Department social media pages on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram as we will give updates on the traffic situation at both BSI and KSAB from time to time,” he said.