Singaporeans love long weekends. After all, even if we can’t fly away on a plane, we always have the option of crossing to Johor Bahru via the two JB checkpoints.
And why not, when you have RM2.10 shops, great food and all?
Unless it’s days like Chinese New Year.
Because during these special days, not only do plenty of other Singaporeans have the same idea as you, our fellow Malaysians working in Singapore will be going back home for CNY.
And you’ll get…
So before you can get to your day of cheap shopping and eating, you have a couple of hours worth of traffic jam to endure.
Now, if you feel the same way, but you’re still determined to brave the congestion, here’s something you’ve got to hear:
JB Checkpoints: We’ll Open More Counters
That’s right.
To facilitate the congested checkpoints, Malaysia’s Immigration Department said that they’ll increase the number of open counters from 23-28 Jan 2020, among other measures.
They will ensure that all counters are opened, “especially at the bus, motorcycle and car lanes”.
In other words, if you’re travelling via your own vehicle or by coach, you’ll have a faster time passing through.
This applies to both the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex (Woodlands Checkpoint) and the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (2nd Link @ Tuas).
Other Measures
Other than opening all counters, they will also add 12 more counters to the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex.
This will bring the number of counters at the complex to 36.
There will also be special counters for pregnant ladies, people with disabilities and senior citizens at both complexes.
It was added that the Immigration Department has taken care to ensure that the systems in both JB checkpoints work well.
They’ve also deployed more officers to both entry points.
The Malaysia Immigration Department also reminds all drivers to ensure that their Touch N Go cards are topped up when they pass through the checkpoint.
Or you might just hold up the entire lane.
So, You’re Thinking…Did It Work?
Both JB checkpoints are still congested, at least at 12pm on 24 Jan 2020.
Tuas Checkpoint
Woodlands Checkpoint
Yup. Still jammed. So if you want to go to JB during this festive season, well, all you can do is hope for a shorter wait.
And make sure to be registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) when you travel overseas, yeah?
You can check out the live view of both jb checkpoints here before setting off.
You’re welcome!
