JOHOR BARU: Long queues have been reported in all major entry points nationwide after tens of thousands of foreigners were unable to use the autogate facility.
However, Malaysian passport holders are able to use the autogates without any issues.
The breakdown, which started at about noon on Friday (July 18), has been described as the worst ever, involving more than 200 autogates nationwide.
Among the major gateways affected include KL International Airport Terminal 1 and 2, Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (BSI) and Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ (KSAB).
BSI and KSAB are both in Johor.
Immigration Department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, when contacted, said that the department was looking into the matter.
"We are currently troubleshooting the system," he added.
A security official said that it was still unknown as to what caused the failure and investigations were being done to check if there was any element of sabotage or hacking.
The official said that in BSI, tens of thousands of people, mainly Singaporeans, have been queuing for more than four hours to clear immigration.
"Weekends are a busy period and Immigration officers have been told to open all lanes to clear the passports manually," the official said, adding that there are 39 autogates at the exit and 29 autogates for entry.
Rela personnel have also been deployed to man the huge influx of visitors at the two land checkpoints with Singapore.
Immigration officers have also started contra lanes at both the bus halls.
Since June 1, 2024, visitors from 63 countries are eligible to utilise autogate for immigration clearance.
This privilege is also extended to all diplomats serving in Malaysia and their family members.
More to come
