MACS FACILITY EXTENDED TO SINGAPORE'S FREQUENT TRAVELLERS

SINGAPORE, June 2 (Bernama) -- The scope of the Malaysia Automated Clearance
System (MACS) facility has been expanded to cover Singaporeans who are frequent
travellers to Malaysia.

They include those who have been issued with the relevant long-term
immigration passes and frequently travel within Malaysia and Singapore for the
purpose of working, studying and staying in Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia acting director-general Azizan Noordin said MACS was
developed for fast-track immigration clearance for non-Malaysian investors,
business people and professionals.

"This is in line with support for the economic development of Iskandar
Malaysia," he said at a press conference held in conjunction with the Islamic
Fashion Festival and Thank You Luncheon, here, Friday.

Azizan said MACS holders could benefit from faster immigration processing
via access to dedicated entry and exit MACS lanes.

The holders will also be excluded from the requirement of completing the
immgration arrival card.

Consequently, entry and exit to/from Malaysia records shall be made online
and the usage of passport pages for stamping will be minimised.

Spouses and dependants (children) of MACS holders are also entitled to apply
for this facility with the condition that they have been issued with the
relevant immigration passes.

MACS holders are entitled to enter and remain in Malaysia according to the
duration as stated in the immigration pass.

There will be two types of MACS stickers issued - Category A - issued to
short-term immigration pass/social visit pass holders, and Category B - issued
to long-term immigration pass holders.

The MACS sticker is valid for one year from the date of issuance and a RM30
(US$10) fee is charged for every issuance, with payment to be made in cash.