A project for testing a QR code immigration clearance system in Johor is scheduled to commence in June, as announced by Baharuddin Tahir, the state Immigration director. According to The Star, the pilot project will be conducted at both the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQs).
Initially, the plan is to launch the pilot project in June, although there is a possibility of it being delayed depending on the readiness of the infrastructure and system developed for the QR code clearance.
The QR code immigration clearance will initially be implemented for factory buses travelling through BSI and KSAB. If the pilot project proceeds smoothly, it will be expanded to include other modes of transportation. Johor will be the first state in Malaysia to implement such a QR code immigration clearance system.
Previously, frequent travellers between Malaysia and Singapore expressed their anticipation for the swift implementation of the QR code immigration clearance system at the two land border checkpoints. They believed that the system could save time and alleviate traffic congestion.
Singapore had already begun rolling out a similar initiative on March 19, allowing motorists at its Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints to use QR codes instead of passports for immigration clearance. Travellers generate their QR codes via a mobile app before arriving at the immigration counters.
During the signing of the memorandum of understanding for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone on Jan 11, both Malaysia and Singapore agreed to explore initiatives to facilitate seamless processes. This included adopting a QR code system on both sides to expedite immigration clearance.
