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Malaysia forms task force to prevent border disruptions during Johor election
🇸🇬 Singapore /Elections & Politics

Malaysia forms task force to prevent border disruptions during Johor election

From CNA · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Malaysia has formed a special task force to manage potential disruptions at the Johor-Singapore border on July 11, polling day for the Johor state election.
  • The task force will address issues arising from the rollout of a new immigration system that could affect travel.
  • Dedicated lanes will be provided for Malaysian voters residing in Singapore to facilitate their return for voting.

Malaysia has established a dedicated task force to preemptively address any potential travel disruptions at the Johor-Singapore border crossings on July 11, the scheduled polling day for the Johor state election. Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced the formation of this special unit, emphasizing its role in managing issues that may arise from the implementation of a new immigration system.

possibility of disruptions

— Saifuddin Nasution IsmailHome Minister describing the potential impact of a new immigration system on border travel.

The new National Integrated Immigration System (MyNIISe) is replacing the older Malaysian Immigration System (MyIMMs) and aims to enhance reliability and manage higher passenger volumes. While the transition is in its final phase, occasional hiccups are still possible, as evidenced by recent nationwide system outages that caused significant delays at border checkpoints. The ministry's "highest priority" is to ensure seamless travel for voters on election day.

highest priority was to ensure no disruptions on the Jul 11 polling day

— Saifuddin Nasution IsmailHome Minister emphasizing the importance of smooth border operations during the Johor state election.

To facilitate the participation of Malaysian voters residing in Singapore, the home ministry plans to implement "dedicated lanes" at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) and Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ (KSAB) immigration complexes. These special arrangements are intended to help voters return home efficiently to fulfill their civic duty. The minister assured that contingency plans, including "Plan A and Plan B," are in place should disruptions occur, though he did not elaborate on the specific measures.

Naturally, we hope they will not. Nevertheless, if they do, we have prepared contingency plans, including Plan A and Plan B.

— Saifuddin Nasution IsmailHome Minister detailing the ministry's preparedness for potential travel disruptions at the border.

An estimated 100,000 to 200,000 Johoreans work in Singapore, representing a significant portion of the Johor electorate, which numbers around 2.7 million. Ensuring their ability to vote is crucial for the election's integrity. The task force's efforts aim to mitigate the impact of the new system's rollout on voter turnout and overall border operations during this critical period.

We will make every effort, where necessary, including providing dedicated lanes to facilitate Malaysian voters residing in Singapore so that they can return home and fulfil their civic responsibility

— Saifuddin Nasution IsmailHome Minister outlining measures to assist Malaysian voters in Singapore during the Johor election.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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