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The Star

Long queues have been reported at all of Malaysia’s major entry points nationwide after tens of thousands of foreigners were unable to use the autogate facility.
However, Malaysian passport holders are able to use the autogates without any issues.
The breakdown, which started at about noon on Friday, has been described as the worst ever, involving more than 200 autogates nationwide.
Among the major gateways affected include Kuala Lumpur International Airport Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, as well as the Immigration and Quarantine and Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ, both of which are located in Johor.
Immigration Department director general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said that the department was looking into the matter.
“We are currently troubleshooting the system,” he added.
A security official said that it was still unknown as to what caused the failure, and investigations were being conducted to check if there was any element of sabotage or hacking.
The official said that tens of thousands of people, mainly Singaporeans, have been queuing for more than four hours to clear immigration at the Immigration and Quarantine.

“Weekends are a busy period and immigration officers have been told to open all lanes to clear the passports manually,” the official said, adding that there are 39 autogates at the exit and 29 autogates for entry.
Malaysia Volunteers Corps Department personnel have also been deployed to manage the huge influx of visitors at the two land checkpoints with Singapore.
Immigration officers have started using separate lanes at both bus halls.
Since June 1, 2024, visitors from 63 countries are eligible to utilise autogate for immigration clearance.
This privilege is also extended to all diplomats serving in Malaysia and their family members.
The story was first published by The Star


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Automated gates are designed for fast border clearance. Their failure has stranded thousands of travellers, mainly Singaporeans


Automated gates are designed for fast border clearance. Their failure has stranded thousands of travellers, mainly Singaporeans.


Asia travel

Tourism

Singapore

Immigration Department