Calls grow in Malaysia for QR code clearance at Johor land checkpoints, paving way for passport-free travel

Malaysia’s federal government has not made any announcement on passport-free clearance at land checkpoints since, but Johor’s state government and businesses are keen to move things forward.

Johor works, transport, infrastructure and communication committee chairman Mohamad Fazli said that he would be meeting the relevant agencies in Singapore after Hari Raya to look at the QR code initiative, news outlet The Star reported on Tuesday (Apr 9).

“We want to see whether the implementation has been successful or not,” Mr Fazli reportedly said. 

“I will compile all the related information and have a discussion with our Immigration director-general after that,” he added.

CNA has asked the Johor immigration department if there are plans to develop passport-free immigration clearance in the short term, ahead of further discussions for the planned SEZ. 

“IT MUST BE DONE NOW”

Mr Andrew Chen, Johor state assemblyman for the Stulang constituency – an area adjacent to the Johor Bahru immigration complex – told CNA it is imperative that Malaysia begins to implement a passport-free clearance system as soon as possible. This would signal the Malaysian government’s commitment to the terms of the SEZ, he said.

The Democratic Action Party (DAP) politician explained that Malaysia may not necessarily implement a QR code system like Singapore’s, but should consider options such as facial recognition biometric clearance or other methods that would allow passport-free travel when the SEZ comes to fruition. 

DAP is part of the Pakatan Harapan coalition and unity government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. 

“It is very important that these systems are put in place soon. The agreement to one day implement passport-free travel is there, and Malaysia will honour it,” said Mr Chen, who led a state task force between 2018 and 2020 to ease congestion at the Causeway.

“Smooth traffic flow of people is especially important for the SEZ to be fruitful and for the Malaysian economy to benefit from this bilateral initiative. But it must be done now, ahead of further discussions in regards to the SEZ,” he added.

The authorities should also look at a system – similar to the one to be implemented for the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link – where travellers only need to clear immigration once, suggested Mr Chen.