ID :
188511
Tue, 06/14/2011 - 13:57
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/188511
The shortlink copeid
IMMIGRATION DEPT TRYING TO EASE CONGESTION AT CAUSEWAY AND SECOND LINK, SAYS ENVOY
SINGAPORE, June 14 (Bernama) -- The Immigration Department is taking necessary measures to overcome the difficulties faced by travellers to Malaysia
via the Causeway and the Second Link following the introduction of the new
biometric registration system at both entry points.
Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore Md Hussin Nayan said the current
difficulties experienced by visitors entering Malaysia via Singapore were
hopefully temporary in nature.
"I am also concerned about the weekend traffic snarl at the Causeway and the
Second Link.
"I believe the Malaysian Immigration Department has taken necessary measures
to improve the situation at both entry points," he told Bernama here.
Md Hussin was asked to comment on a report by local newspaper, The Straits
Times, that the problem arose after Malaysia started using its biometric
fingerprint system from the beginning of the month.
It requires travellers to scan both index fingers in addition to getting
their passports stamped following the new regulation.
According to the local daily, the traffic snarl plaguing the Causeway and
Second Link on weekends had caused some frequent travellers to hold back on
trips up north.
It said motorists had been locked in jams the last two weekends, with some
reportedly taking up to seven hours to clear immigration.
Md Hussin said the High Commission had indeed informed the Immigration
Department of the potential problem and immediate impact in introducing the new
biometric registration system at both entry points.
However, he said, feedback from travellers to Malaysia, especially from
those entering via the two southern check-points were welcomed as they would
greatly assist the Immigration Department in fine-tuning the clearance process
under the new system.
"It is hoped that eventually the new biometric system will facilitate
travellers entering and leaving Malaysia and at the same time, provide greater
sense of security to Malaysians as well as visitors to the country," he said.
He said the High Commission urged visitors to be patient and advised them
to plan their trips to Malaysia carefully and if possible, to avoid peak hours
and the weekend congestion.
via the Causeway and the Second Link following the introduction of the new
biometric registration system at both entry points.
Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore Md Hussin Nayan said the current
difficulties experienced by visitors entering Malaysia via Singapore were
hopefully temporary in nature.
"I am also concerned about the weekend traffic snarl at the Causeway and the
Second Link.
"I believe the Malaysian Immigration Department has taken necessary measures
to improve the situation at both entry points," he told Bernama here.
Md Hussin was asked to comment on a report by local newspaper, The Straits
Times, that the problem arose after Malaysia started using its biometric
fingerprint system from the beginning of the month.
It requires travellers to scan both index fingers in addition to getting
their passports stamped following the new regulation.
According to the local daily, the traffic snarl plaguing the Causeway and
Second Link on weekends had caused some frequent travellers to hold back on
trips up north.
It said motorists had been locked in jams the last two weekends, with some
reportedly taking up to seven hours to clear immigration.
Md Hussin said the High Commission had indeed informed the Immigration
Department of the potential problem and immediate impact in introducing the new
biometric registration system at both entry points.
However, he said, feedback from travellers to Malaysia, especially from
those entering via the two southern check-points were welcomed as they would
greatly assist the Immigration Department in fine-tuning the clearance process
under the new system.
"It is hoped that eventually the new biometric system will facilitate
travellers entering and leaving Malaysia and at the same time, provide greater
sense of security to Malaysians as well as visitors to the country," he said.
He said the High Commission urged visitors to be patient and advised them
to plan their trips to Malaysia carefully and if possible, to avoid peak hours
and the weekend congestion.
