JOHOR BARU: The Immigration Department is keeping close contact with its Singaporean counterparts to ensure smooth traffic flow at the checkpoints during the holiday season.
Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (BSI CIQ) immigration office deputy chief R. Vimala said there are currently 1,218 department staff members on duty round the clock at the checkpoint.
“This includes an additional 186 immigration officers who started on the ground at BSI CIQ last Thursday.
“The new batch is a welcome addition to keeping things running smoothly at the manual and automatic counters, especially for the Christmas holidays right up to the new year,” she told The Star when met at a charity home in Taman Sentosa here yesterday.
Vimala said the department met with its Singaporean counterparts last Thursday to discuss the immigration clearance framework and traffic flow issues.
“Both sides keep in touch regularly so that when issues arise on either side, we can act accordingly.
“The traffic flow on our side has been smooth so far with no major issues. We are also assisted by the auxiliary police and Rela members.
“The contra lanes, activated at the two land checkpoints in Johor in anticipation of the high vehicle volume, have been helpful in reducing the waiting time at the manual counters as well,” she said.
She added that the flow was made smoother when Singaporeans register for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card, a system that allows them to use the autogates for passport clearance during arrival and departure.
Vimala said that during the peak season, there was no “down-time” as vehicles were entering and exiting Johor round the clock.
Previously, there were fewer vehicles passing through the checkpoint from 1am to 3am, she noted.
Earlier, Stulang assemblyman Andrew Chen, Vimala and 12 other immigration officers visited the charity home to spread some festive cheer to the senior citizens there.
“Besides snacks, we brought a vanilla and blueberry cake that was made by one of my department staff, who is a talented baker.
“We hope that our gesture warmed the old folk’s hearts and let them know that they are not alone,” Vimala said.
The contra lane method was previously tested during Deepavali and proved to be effective in easing congestion at both Johor checkpoints. It is being activated amid an expected surge in traffic volume from Singapore during the current Christmas and New Year celebrations.
According to the Immigration Department, there are 236 entry and exit counters at BSI CIQ consisting of 100 for motorcycles, 60 for cars, 36 for buses and 40 for pedestrians (this number includes autogate counters).
At Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar at the Second Link, 162 entry and exit counters are available, with 50 for motorcycles, 48 for cars, 52 for buses and 12 pedestrian (both manual and autogate counters).
Even before the long weekends, traffic flow at both land checkpoints has already exceeded pre-Covid-19 levels.
