Thursday November 5, 2009

Expedite traffic flow at CIQ

WHEN Singapore motorists learned in January last year that the white immigration card needed for entry into Malaysia was being abolished, they applauded the move.

One hassle less, and the traffic into Malaysia was smoother and faster – that was the collective feeling among motorists.

However, six months later the white cards were reintroduced, much to their dismay.

Motorists getting out of their cars to get the white cards cause obstruction. After a few trips they need to go through the hassle all over again. Besides, traffic builds up as immigration officers have to verify and stamp the cards.

Faced with such hassles and traffic congestion, many Singaporeans prefer to give Malaysia a miss. With budget airlines now offering low fares to countries in the region, they have a wider choice of destinations now.

With Malaysia’s anxieties about attracting investments to the Iskandar Development Region and boosting tourist arrivals from Singapore, the removal of unnecessary hassles and faster clearance of traffic at the Sultan Iskandar Customs and Immigration Quarantine Complex in Johor Baru should be the concern of the relevant authorities.

ROGER POH,
Singapore.

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