PUTRAJAYA: The government will finalise the most suitable Quick Response (QR) code system for immigration clearance at the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) complexes after completing a three-month proof-of-concept trial.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said they will evaluate the effectiveness of three different systemsw from various vendors at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) and the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) beginning June 1.
He said the findings from the Special Committee Meeting to Address Congestion at the Johor Causeway will also be swiftly presented to the cabinet.
"The proof-of-concept test will run for three months, after which the effectiveness and benefits of the system will be evaluated. We will also identify any weaknesses that need to be improved.
"If it runs smoothly, then it can be implemented, and the Home Ministry will finalise which company succeeds and which concept will be used," he told reporters during a press conference after officiating the National Conference on Stormwater Management (SWaM) 2024.
He added the implementation of QR codes for immigration clearance at the CIQ complexes is expected to reduce travel time by approximately 50 per cent.
"Based on the concept that has been developed, it will, on average, save about 50 per cent of travel time. It depends, maybe 30 or 20 minutes.
"In the past, it could take up to an hour, depending on the situation. Sometimes, it was difficult, taking half an hour. Now, if we can save you 15 minutes on average, it will be good, but we don't know because it involves various parties.
"That's why it was tested on those walking, using buses, and also motorcycles, which are faster but it also depends on the route, as we observed yesterday."
He said the system would be expanded to Singaporeans and other nationalities if they find it compelling and can ease the procedure.
Previously, it was reported that Malaysians travelling to Singapore could begin using QR codes for immigration clearance at the CIQ complexes at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) and the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB), starting June 1.
Fadillah, who announced the matter, said the first phase of the QR code implementation will involve Malaysians travelling to Singapore by bus at BSI and motorcyclists using the automated MBike Immigration clearance system at KSAB.
He said the introduction of the QR codes at BSI and KSAB will be a "game changer" in addressing congestion at both Malaysia-Singapore entry points.