ISKANDAR PUTERI: Bus passengers travelling between Singapore and Malaysia through Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) will be the first to test out the QR code immigration clearance system expected to be implemented by the middle of next month.
State works, transportation, infrastructure and communication committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said the use of a QR code would then be gradually expanded with the target of full implementation by the end of this year.
“This system will begin to be implemented in the middle of June. It is estimated that 5,000 factory bus passengers at each peak time will be involved in the first phase at BSI and KSAB. This is estimated to involve as many as 120 buses.
“The state government is ready to assist in the implementation to ensure that it runs smoothly as expected by all parties,” he said when met at the sidelines of the state assembly meeting here yesterday.
Mohamad Fazli added that the implementation of a QR code for public travellers, including those using private vehicles, would involve passengers in groups.
“It is still necessary to bring a passport, but the passport need not be shown.
“Rather, it is sufficient to show the QR code generated through the system.
“Perhaps one code can be used for several people, that is easy. For example, there are five people in a car. The driver just needs to lower the window, show all five people and a QR code. If there are no problems, they can move along,” he said.
On Monday, the Immigration director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said the department and the Home Ministry are exploring the possibility of implementing a QR code system at several of the country’s main entry points to tackle congestion.
Studies on the matter had been carried out and the department would soon test the system.
In December last year, the Johor government had proposed that the Federal Government introduce a QR code system at the Customs, immigration and quarantine complexes in the state, something that neighbouring Singapore is already doing.
In January, Putrajaya and Singapore had said that passport-free travel was among initiatives they were looking to implement to support the development of the Johor-Singapore special economic zone.
On another matter, Mohamad Fazli said the proposed elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) in Johor Baru involves three alignments with a distance of more than 50km with 32 station stops identified so far.
He added that the estimated cost for the construction of the public transport system is almost RM7bil.
“We chose the elevated ART system because it can be completed faster than the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. This is because we want it to be able to operate simultaneously with the Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) project l, which is scheduled to operate in January 2027.
“A study is underway and is expected to be completed in August this year to be presented to the Cabinet,” he said.
Mohamad Fazli also said the ART would cover approximately 90% of Iskandar Malaysia and will be equipped with a public transport system such as buses to connect the stations.
