ISKANDAR PUTERI: There are several 'dead spots' or areas with poor internet coverage where the Wi-Fi signal is weak at the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB).
This has frequently caused Malaysian travellers crossing over to Singapore using the recently implemented MyTrip QR Code system to receive a red alert.
State Immigration Department acting director Mohd Faizal Shamsudin said they are aware of the situation.
"We had a discussion with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to upgrade the telecommunications coverage.
"Upgrading the internet connection works will also include Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI).
"MCMC's technical team conducted site visits to both BSI and KSAB," he said.
On June 2, a MCMC delegation led by state director Mohamad Rizal Ahmad conducted a site visit to the KSAB to assess the Wi-Fi and telecommunications network facilities.
Meanwhile, Johor Works, Transportation, Infrastructure, and Communication Committee Chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said the state government was briefed on the weak internet coverage issue, and if necessary, agreed to use state funds for upgrading works for the benefit of the people.
He added the system is being tested at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex (CIQ) at BSI currently before its June 18 implementation.
MyTrip is a paperless QR Code generating system for immigration clearance.
The application can be downloaded via My Sejahtera.
If the QR Code is readable and working properly, the system will display a green alert or sign, which will permit the user entry and exit, while the red alert refers to a 'suspected list'.
The user with red alert is required to head to the immigration counter for further inspection, where the officer will check the traveller's details against their system called MyImms.
If there is no or weak internet connection, MyTrip will not display any information on the application, or read as 'loading' or display a red alert.
However, Mohd Faizal said MyTrip is able to work offline too.
He advised travellers to download the QR Code in advance before approaching the immigration counters.
Currently Malaysians travelling in buses and motorcycles to Singapore are able to use the system instead of handing their passports to immigration officers stationed at the Immigration Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complex at KSAB.
The system went into operation on June 1, and will undergo a three-month trial period before its implemented nationwide.