Ng wants more tourist comforts at checkpoint

2009/12/17

JOHOR BARU: The facilities at the Sultan Iskandar Building, which houses the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex, need to be improved to ensure top quality services to visitors coming from Singapore. Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said this had to be done so that the visitors who came through the complex would feel welcome and comfortable.

"For example, in the concourse area, there may be a need for more chairs so that visitors, especially the elderly and those who are pregnant or with small children, can sit while they wait for their immigration clearance."

She said this after a tour of the Sultan Iskandar Building yesterday.

Also present was Johor Immigration Department director Mohd Nasri Ishak.

Ng also attended a briefing on the operations of the complex.

She said the ministry had also received a complaint from the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) regarding golfers from Singapore who had to carry their golf sets with them whenever they went through immigration as well as the matter regarding the need for a translator at the visa-on-arrival (VOA) counters.

"I have asked Matta to submit a working paper on the golfers' issue, as tour agents might be allowed to provide a service to carry the golf sets for the golfers.

"As for the issue of translator at the VOA counters, Matta plans to do it on a volunteer basis as part of their efforts to improve the tourism industry in the country, so we will consider it."

She said the ministry would conduct a study on the waiting time at the CIQ complex during peak and non-peak periods.

"Once this is completed, we will take the necessary measures to ensure that the waiting period is as short as possible."

The Immigration Deparment has also introduced the Malaysian Automated Clearance System (MACS) last July for Singaporeans who travel to Malaysia at least four times a month.

With MACS, visitors from the republic will no longer have to fill out the immigration card or have their passports stamped when they enter the country.

MACS applications can be made online and is renewable annually.

Each user is charged RM30 a year.

"In my opinion, this is a step forward in efforts to attract more Singaporeans to Malaysia, especially those who make frequent visits to the country."

She added that the ministry planned to organise a seminar in Singapore to brief tour operators there about the MACS.

"We hope to organise the seminar before the end of the year."

Nasri said there were about 500 MACS users.