Border crossing made simple

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JOHOR BARU: Another new QR code system for Malaysian travellers has started, with more than 35,000 people registering to expedite faster immigration clearance at the border crossing with Singapore.

The MyRentas system, which started about three weeks after an earlier application went live on June 1, is for bus passengers using the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, immigration and Quarantine (BSI) complex in Johor Baru.

To date, more than 150,000 people, mostly frequent travellers, have registered for both the MyTrip application, which is being used at the Sultan Abu Bakar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (KSAB) in the Second Link since June 1, and MyRentas at BSI.

Johor works, transportation, infrastructure and communication committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh, when contacted, said that both systems were still on trial under the three-month-long proof-of-concept period.

The first application, known as MyTrip, which is embedded within the MySejahtera mobile app, started on June 1, while MyRentas started on June 23.

Mohamad Fazli said that so far, MyRentas is only available for Android mobile phone users.

“We are expecting another third application to also start soon.

“Let us see which one is the most suitable to be used at our checkpoints with Singapore,” he told The Star.

Asked about teething problems, Mohamad Fazli said that among the issues are delays in generating the QR codes due to low the Internet speed at the checkpoints, especially during peak hours.

“We are looking at ways to address these issues,” he said, adding that overall there were no major complaints with the trial run for the QR code systems.

He assured the public that besides the QR code applications, there were other means to clear immigration, including egates and manual counters.

It has been learnt that another application, possibly known as MyBorderPass, will also be starting soon to replace the problematic Mbike system for motorcyclists.

The Mbike system started about eight years ago.

According to reports, the MyTrip and MyRentas QR code applications can cut the checkpoint clearance time for a bus full of passengers by more than 75%.

The new systems will help clear an average of about 20 passengers in less than five minutes.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof previously announced the three-month proof-of-concept beginning June 1, applicable initially to Malaysian motorcycle and bus travellers.