JOHOR BARU: Concerns over heavy lorry congestion at the Second Link due to insufficient scanners will be raised with the Home Ministry, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Loke said issues involving the Sultan Abu Bakar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (KSAB) and scanner operations fall under the purview of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), which is under the Home Ministry.
“The scanners previously fell under the Customs Department, but are now under AKPS as it is a border control agency.
“It is not under the Transport Ministry’s jurisdiction, but we are paying close attention to this matter and will provide our feedback to the Home Ministry,” he said in a press conference after officiating the Mylesen B2 Sekolah programme at Austin International Convention Centre here.
Loke acknowledged the issue, stressing that the ministry views the matter seriously and will continue monitoring the situation to find a remedy.
“We take any issues involving congestion at the Second Link and Johor Causeway very seriously and had previously set up a special committee to address such matters.
“All operational matters will be discussed, implemented and approved through that committee,” he added.
The Star had previously highlighted the plight of truckers, who have been enduring long queues at the Second Link checkpoint since early February.
This came following the implementation of mandatory scanning for all heavy vehicles, with KSAB having only one scanner for lorries heading to Singapore.
The island republic, on the other hand, has six scanners for lorries entering the country.
