MALAYSIA and Singapore are expected to launch a new digital immigration system and additional border clearance lanes by January 2027 in a significant move to improve efficiency at the Johor-Singapore border and reduce chronic congestion at one of the world's busiest international crossings.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative will be jointly launched with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong once all technical preparations and supporting infrastructure are fully completed.
Speaking at the ‘Temu Anwar Johor Ke Depan’ programme on Sunday, Anwar stressed that the project is already being implemented and should not be viewed as a new election pledge, noting that announcing new promises during a campaign period would contravene election laws.
"God willing, I will launch it together with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong once it is ready, likely in January. It will resolve many issues, including a more advanced digital immigration system to facilitate movement," he said.
Anwar said the Home Ministry, through the Immigration Department, is intensifying efforts to accelerate passenger clearance at the country's entry points as part of a broader modernisation programme.
"The Immigration Department will facilitate the movement, and once the system is ready, it will include new travel arrangements from Singapore to Johor Bahru," he said.
While acknowledging that immigration services have improved considerably compared with three years ago, Anwar said the Government remains committed to further upgrading border operations to accommodate increasing numbers of travellers.
He said improving border efficiency alone would not solve the underlying challenges, adding that the Government is also focused on creating stronger economic opportunities within Malaysia so fewer citizens need to commute daily to Singapore for work.
Anwar said investments in artificial intelligence, data centres and other advanced technologies are central to the Government's strategy to generate more high-income employment opportunities domestically.
"We want to address this issue because our people working in Singapore have to queue for hours. They should not be burdened this way, so we must find a solution.
"We must find ways, whether through artificial intelligence (AI), data centres, modern or new technologies, so that our people can work here with good income and no longer need to cross over," he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of maintaining housing affordability as Johor continues to attract investment and experience rapid economic growth.
He said affordable housing initiatives, including Rumah MADANI, are essential to ensuring young Malaysians, particularly those in Johor Bahru, are able to own homes despite rising property demand generated by the state's expanding economy.
Anwar said the Government intends to pursue infrastructure improvements, economic transformation and affordable housing simultaneously to ensure Johor's continued development delivers tangible benefits for local residents as well as businesses operating across the Malaysia-Singapore corridor. - July 5, 2026
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