JOHOR BAHRU – The first day of implementation of the new QR code system for easier clearance with Singapore hit a snag, as many motorbike lanes equipped with the new system were not functioning properly owing to possible technical issues.
At the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (BSI) at the Causeway, only one out of seven lanes installed with the National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe), which uses the
MyNIISe mobile application,
was functioning on Oct 15.
Meanwhile, at the Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ complex (KSAB) at the Second Link, only two out of eight motorcycle lanes were working.
However, the system installed at the bus halls at both the land checkpoints was functioning without problems.
Also, the MyNIISe system installed in at least 16 car lanes – eight lanes for entry and eight lanes for departure – at BSI were operating as usual, along with the 12 car lanes (six each for entry and exit) at KSAB.
The MyNIISe system was rolled out for passenger cars from Sept 22, while implementation for
motorcycles, pedestrians and bus users began
on Oct 15
.
Motorcyclist Daniel Tan, 42, said that he was shocked when he found that only one lane could be used when he was heading to work at about 6.30am.
“I decided to use my other MyBorderPass (app) to avoid any congestion as I had to travel to Singapore early for a breakdown,” he said, adding that he was also concerned about whether the scanners could effectively detect the faces of those riding big motorbikes.
Mr Tan said he hopes that both the QR codes for MyNIISe and MyBorderPass can be integrated so that drivers are not limited to designated lanes. The systems are not interchangeable at the moment.
Another motorcyclist, Mr Zulkifli Ramli, 32, who works in Singapore as a technician, said more publicity is needed to encourage people to use the new QR code system.
“I just found out about this QR (code system) recently and hope that the new system will be stable and be able to detect a person’s face quick,” he said, adding that he was happy to use the present MyBorderPass application to commute to work daily.
He added that it was important for the government to continue to rely on automation, including the use of QR codes instead of manual counters, to save travelling time between the two countries.
A Home Ministry official when contacted said at press time that efforts were being made to get the system up and running for the motorcycle lanes.
Meanwhile, Johor Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said that, to date, about 250,000 people have downloaded the application with 82,000 registering for it.
“I was informed that a big number of those who registered were Singaporeans,” he said, adding that usage of the new system so far was still low, with about 800 to 1,000 users daily.
During the new system’s pilot phase, the MyBorderPass QR code system will remain operational for about 400,000 Malaysians.
The MyNIISe QR code system is not only available to Malaysians. Travellers from 63 countries can use the system to enter Malaysia, while citizens of 71 countries can use it for departure.
The Home Ministry has said that the trial will continue in stages at five key international airports across the country, namely KL International Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, Penang International Airport, Kuching International Airport and Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
The exercise will run until Feb 28, 2026. During this period, the current QR code system and MyBorderPass app will remain in use for entry and exit procedures.
Valid travel documents or passports are still required for immigration clearance, as stipulated under the Immigration Act. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
