FREQUENT travelers to Singapore using land checkpoints can look forward to quicker immigration processing at Johor's entry points, with the QR code system set to be expanded to car passengers in the near future.
This follows the successful trial of the system for motorcyclists and bus passengers, which began last year.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof announced that the QR code-based immigration clearance system, which has been successfully trialed for motorcyclists and bus passengers, will now be extended to vehicles.
The trial for motorcyclists and buses was conducted at either the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in Johor Baru or the Sultan Abu Bakar (KSAB) CIQ near the Second Link.
Fadillah said, "We hope that once the procurement method is decided, we can expedite the implementation. Our target is to roll out the QR system for cars this year."
The deputy prime minister highlighted the success of the QR code system for motorcyclists, revealing that it takes only three seconds for each motorcycle to clear the lane.
"This technology has proven to be effective and fast, and extending it to car passengers is crucial for smoother immigration clearance," The Star reported Fadillah saying.
The introduction of the system for car passengers aims to reduce congestion at immigration checkpoints, especially with the expected increase in both visitors and investments in Johor.
With upcoming developments in the region and Malaysia's efforts to promote tourism through the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, efficient border management has become more important than ever.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who attended the special committee meeting on Johor Causeway congestion, said motorcycles and buses account for 80% of the daily traffic between Malaysia and Singapore, with an estimated 500,000 travelers using the checkpoints each day.
"Alleviating congestion requires targeted solutions for these two transportation modes," Saifuddin explained.
Thanks to the QR code system, Saifuddin noted that the number of motorcycles that can pass through a customs lane has increased significantly.
"Previously, only 90 motorcycles could clear a lane in 15 minutes. With the QR system, 150 motorcycles can now pass through in the same amount of time," he said.
The next phase will focus on the procurement of the QR code system, which will be crucial for expanding its use across various land checkpoints, including those in Rantau Panjang (Kelantan), Bukit Kayu Hitam (Kedah), Padang Besar (Perlis), KLIA, Penang, Kota Kinabalu, and Kuching. The committee is also focused on managing congestion at these key entry points.
Fadillah added that the committee’s efforts will not be limited to Johor alone but will be extended to all international entry points in Malaysia.
He also pointed out that the completion of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link between Malaysia and Singapore, scheduled for December 31, 2026, will offer additional capacity for moving passengers across the border.
Saifuddin reiterated the significance of these developments, noting that the successful implementation of the QR code system has already proven its worth and will pave the way for even greater efficiency in future border management.
While the QR code system will replace the traditional method of showing passports at immigration checkpoints, travelers will still need to carry their passports for identification purposes.
The government is optimistic that this system will help reduce waiting times, minimize congestion, and provide a smoother experience for travelers at Malaysia's land checkpoints. – March 4, 2025
