Timely move: A traveller scanning the QR code in her phone to clear immigration. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
JOHOR BARU: The implementation of the QR code immigration clearance system at the land checkpoints here was timely, with Visit Johor Year 2026 programme kicking off in 18 months, say tourism industry players.
They said ensuring smooth traffic at the border between Johor and Singapore would be crucial for the state to hit its target of attracting over 12 million visitors in 2026.
Johor Tourist Guides Association chairman Jimmy Leong said implementing the QR code system early would make it easier for the government to fix issues that could arise from the new clearance method.
“This is definitely a good move. By implementing the system before Visit Johor Year 2026, the government and its relevant departments would have more time to improve it if needed.
“If there are any issues and glitches with the system, they can be able to fix it early and ensure that such problems do not arise once we start the tourism campaign,” he said in an interview yesterday.
Leong added that what made would make it better was that Singapore also started implementing such a system this year.
“With the implementation of the QR code system on both sides of the Causeway, we may be able to see smoother traffic, which is important for travellers,” he said.
Echoing his sentiment was Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Johor chapter chairman Ivan Teo, who said the move would benefit both Malaysia and Singapore.
“There is competition from other South-East Asian countries that are also working hard to attract visitors and improve their tourism sector.
“As such, we need to have something extra in order to compete, and smooth traffic between the two countries is something that we can really benefit from.
“Not only will this be good for Johor and Malaysia, but also Singapore as those visiting Malaysia could easily cross over to the island republic,” he said.
On June 1, Malaysia kicked off the proof-of-concept (POC) period for the implementation of the QR code immigration clearance system.
During the POC, Malaysians travelling via bus and motorcycles can try out the new system at the two land border checkpoints.
The implementation of the QR code is expected to be expanded to all modes of transport in stages.
Singapore has taken a similar approach for those travelling by car since March this year.
