JOHOR BARU: Singaporeans have crossed into Johor in droves to visit family or take short vacations over the long Chinese New Year weekend.
As expected, there was heavy traffic on the causeway on the eve of the Lunar New Year.
Among the Singaporeans coming in to celebrate Chinese New Year with loved ones here was information technology (IT) consultant Andrew Tan, 36.
“There was heavy congestion when we came in via bus this morning, but everything went smoothly, and there were even a few special lanes on the Malaysia side dedicated for families with young children and pregnant women.
“This is the first time I’ve seen such a lane at the border, and it was a good improvement. I was with my eight-year-old son, so I got to use the special lanes,” he said.
Sales executive Sharon Lim, 29, said she was looking forward to celebrating Chinese New Year with her family in Muar after missing out on the celebration for the last two years.
“This is the first time I have come home for Chinese New Year since the Covid-19 pandemic, and I am glad to finally be able to celebrate it with my family here,” said Lim, who is a Malaysian working in Singapore.
Meanwhile, Singaporean security associate executive Zahir Ayub, 57, said his family decided to make an impromptu visit to Johor Baru to experience the festivities here.
“As it’s the long weekend, we chartered a van to enjoy a one-day trip in Johor Baru,” he said.
Another visitor was Sri Lankan engineer Cleve Shehan, 34, who has been working in Singapore for over three years.
“My girlfriend and I decided to spend about two days here,” he said.
Meanwhile, Johor police chief Comm Datuk Kamarul Zaman said two operations – Ops Lancar and Ops Selamat will be carried out during this festive period.
“Some 430 policemen have been deployed to 32 accident-prone locations and 61 areas prone to traffic congestion around Johor.
“The two land crossings with Singapore will also be given special attention as a large number of vehicles are expected to enter Malaysia,” he said.
