KUALA LUMPUR: From next year, the use of quick response (QR) codes at the Johor Causeway will extend beyond buses and motorcyclists to include other modes of transportation, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Those using QR codes are Malaysians travelling to Singapore by bus at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) and motorcyclists using the automated MBike Immigration clearance system at the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB).
However, he did not specify a timeline for the implementation.
Saifuddin, speaking after attending the Special Committee Meeting to Address Congestion at the Johor Causeway, Session Two for 2024, said the meeting decided that the procurement process would be finalised within the current financial year.
"The meeting also agreed to expand the use of QR codes to other modes of transportation."
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Communication Minister Fahmi Fadzil, along with Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan and Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib.
Saifuddin said the expansion would be important, considering Malaysia's status as the 2025 Asean chair and Visit Malaysia year in 2026.
Taking these factors into account, he said the movement of people between Malaysia and Singapore is expected to increase to 150 million in 2024, compared with 116 million in 2023.
He also announced that the implementation of QR codes at the Causeway had reduced waiting times, from 120 minutes before its introduction in June to as little as 20 minutes now.
Onn expressed support for the meeting's outcome and affirmed the state government's readiness to assist the federal government in alleviating congestion at the border.