To reduce congestion at the nation’s entry points, the government will approve an allocation of roughly RM168.70 million.
Deputy Prime Minister, Fadillah Yusof, informed Bernama, that the money would be allocated for three projects in addition to providing incentives to different levels of immigration officers stationed at the entry points.
Those on duty at the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) complexes at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB), as well as at KLIA Terminals 1 and 2, would receive incentives.
The three new projects are the installation of 77 MBIKE gates at a cost of RM61.7 million, the renovation and building of new projects at KSAB at a cost of RM106.99 million, and the construction of a covered pedestrian walkway along the Johor Causeway at a cost that will be determined later.
“The incentives would involve a financial implication of RM7.93 million per year,” Fadillah said.
“Further discussions will be held with the public services department (JPA) to extend the incentives to immigration personnel in Sabah and Sarawak.”
Fadillah said that 21 initiatives had been prepared to address the traffic congestion at BSI and KSAB. 15 of these have been completed, 5 must be finished in full by February 2025, and 1 initiative is still in the planning stages.
Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, in his reply regarding measures to reduce congestion at peak times at the country’s entry points for Malaysians working in Singapore at the Ministers’ Question Time session in the Dewan Rakyat, said that among the efforts being made was to coordinate with various agencies to speed up the immigration process at Johor Causeway.
“In terms of the counter or Touch ‘n Go service to pay the road charge for entry from Singapore has been consolidated which can save some time for cars from Singapore entering Malaysia.
“We will try to add more motorcycle lanes and immigration counters. In addition, we are also looking at other ways to increase connectivity with the proposal to have a ferry service between the two countries,” he said.
