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All counters at the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine Complex (CIQ) at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) must remain open to handle the expected heavy traffic between Singapore and Malaysia over the Hari Raya period, said Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
During a working visit to the BSI complex on Apr. 19, he noted that the efficiency level there was below his expectations and that the complex was operating under maximum capacity, The Star reported.
“During my inspection at the counters, some were closed due to staffing issues, while others had system problems pertaining to the Road Transport Department (JPJ),” he was quoted as saying.
Onn Hafiz also said Malaysia customs are anticipating at least 2 million people and vehicles to cross the land checkpoints during the upcoming Hari Raya period.
The Causeway was already packed with vehicles on Apr. 18, four days before Hari Raya Puasa.
All counters to remain open
“I have requested for all counters, whether for cars, motorcycles, bus passengers or pedestrians, to be open and in working order,” Onn Hafiz said during his inspection, according to The Star.
He also urged for the quick resolution of all technical and manpower issues.
The chief minister stressed the importance of having the Immigration Director-General visit the premises to ensure the welfare of personnel, who “have been working hard and coping with the influx of people”.
In addition, Onn Hafiz reminded travellers who were planning to use the land border crossings, especially at the BSI complex, to remain patient during the expected heavy traffic.
Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has also issued an advisory on the expected traffic flow from Apr. 20 to 24.
Addressing the traffic situation
Johor’s government previously conducted a multi-agency task force coordination meeting with the relevant parties to deal with the festive traffic flow, according to an earlier report by The Star.
The meeting was chaired by the chairman of the State Works, Transport and Infrastructure Committee, Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh.
He later announced on Apr. 14 that all counters at the BSI complex and the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) would be kept open during the Hari Raya celebration period, Bernama reported.
He said all roadworks will be disallowed during the period and pushed back, with the exception of emergency repairs.
Currently, the BSI complex has 27 car lanes for entry to Malaysia and 29 lanes for exit. A total of 50 motorcycle lanes will be open throughout the period, while 32 gate counters will be operational for pedestrians and those travelling by bus.
The KSAB complex has 24 entry and 24 exit car lanes, 50 motorcycle lanes on both sides and 38 gate lanes for bus passengers, including 12 auto-gates.
The government is expected to conduct upgrading works at both CIQ complexes in the near future.
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Top images via Facebook/Onn Hafiz Ghazi