JOHOR BARU: The expected rollout of the (Quick Response) QR Code Immigration Clearance System at Johor's land borders with Singapore could also provide a tourism boost for Johor.
Malaysian Tourist Guides Council president Jimmy Leong said Johor had previously lost potential revenue from the business events sector due to the gridlock at the Immigration checkpoints.
He said foreign speakers and event organisers tend to avoid hosting events in Johor, even with its more affordable rates compared with Singapore, due to the lengthy waiting times at Immigration checkpoints.
Thus, he said, the introduction of the QR code system was a step in the right direction.
Meanwhile, Johor-born business owner Hashimah Mahmood who recently travelled to Singapore before the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations said Singapore's QR clearance system should be emulated.
The 43-year-old said upon arriving at the Immigration and Customs Authority counter, they were directed to an office, where officials guided them on how to download the MyICA application and generate QR codes for their group of five.
"The process was quick, efficient and straightforward."
Hashimah said the experience underscored the need for a similar system to be implemented at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complexes in Johor, especially given the high volume of Malaysians commuting to Singapore daily for work.
She hoped the implementation in Johor would be just as smooth.
"If it's introduced in Johor, I hope it works as seamlessly."