Immigration tackles MBike clearance system issues

JOHOR BARU: A hitch in the automated immigration clearance system for motorcyclists has caused congestion for bikers travelling between Malaysia and Singapore.

It has led to long lines at both the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine.

“The congestion is occurring due to a disruption of the MBike system at motorcycle inspection zone entry and exit routes.

“This disruption is due to system configuration work being implemented by a newly appointed company that began on Feb 29,” Immigration director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said yesterday.

The MBike system was introduced in 2016 to help reduce gridlock. It is similar to autogates at all entry and exit points in Malaysia.

The system uses a radio frequency identification device (RFID) sticker attached to the passport, requiring the person to place his thumb on the reader before the gantry gate opens.

Yesterday, Ruslin said the department was aware of the unusual congestion at the motorcycle zone in BSI and KSAB.

The Immigration Department and the company were taking measures to overcome these hitches, he added.

To ease congestion at the motorcycle lanes, he said the department has initiated manual inspections until the system interruption is resolved.

“The Immigration Department will do its best to ensure the MBike system can be restored as soon as possible,” he added.

Ruslin dispelled talk that the termination of the previous company handling MBike was due to “instructions” from higher authority.

“The previous operating company’s contract has expired and a new operating company has been appointed in accordance with the department’s financial procedures. We call upon the public not to speculate on the matter as it may cause confusion,” he added.