Immigration dept boosts border readiness ahead of voters’ return

JOHOR BARU: The Immigration Department has intensified its preparedness to the highest level by conducting continuous monitoring of inspection systems at the country’s entry points to facilitate the return of voters ahead of the Johor state election.

Immigration Department director-­general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said that, so far, inspection systems at the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) and Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) are operating well.

He said the department’s technical team will continue to monitor the system’s performance round the clock so that any disruptions can be identified and addressed immediately.

“We must ensure a ­problem-free system on that day (polling day) so that voters who are in Singapore can return to fulfil their civic responsibility without any difficulty,” he said, Bernama reported.

Previously, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail assured voters working in Singapore of smooth travel, ­noting that a ­mitigation plan is ready if disruptions occur.

BSI, which connects JB Sentral and Woodlands, and KSAB, in Tanjung Kupang, via the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link Bridge, are among the world’s busiest gateways, handling up to 300,000 people daily.

The Johor state election will see 172 candidates contesting 56 seats. Polling will be held on Saturday, while early voting is scheduled for July 7.

Meanwhile, the Johor police contingent has mobilised 3,565 personnel to ensure that the early voting process for the 16th Johor state election today proceeds safely and in an orderly manner.

Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the deployment comprises 647 officers, 2,806 rank-and-file personnel, and 112 civilian staff.

He said the personnel would be responsible for security at early voting centres, ballot box escorts, traffic control and crime prevention patrols.

Ab Rahaman said early voting today would involve 64 polling centres across Johor, comprising 53 police early voting centres and 11 Malaysian Armed Forces early voting centres.

He said a total of 12,710 police personnel have been registered as early voters for the 16th Johor state election, with 12,067 set to cast their ballots at early voting centres today, while the remaining 643 would vote by post.

He said the police will prioritise strict enforcement throughout the Johor state election.

“Any violation of the law will be dealt with firmly, fairly and with integrity, without compromise,” he said.