Long Queues at Malaysia's Checkpoints Due to Autogate Breakdown, Causing Delays for Foreign Travellers

One traveller, Mr Tsoi Chee Chung, was on his way to Johor Bahru to visit his girlfriend's family on Saturday when he got stuck in long queues. He arrived at the immigration hall in Sultan Iskandar building around 12.30pm and managed to enter Johor at about 2pm despite the crowd.

Mr Tsoi shared that they were unaware of the system issue until they heard about the long queues on the radio while driving to Woodlands Checkpoint. Initially, the crowded scene seemed like a busy day until they realized foreign passport holders couldn't use the autogates.

Although the electronic signage indicated that Singaporean and Malaysian passport holders could use the autogates, they queued up until they were informed by a customs agent that Singaporeans were not allowed through. Mr Tsoi and his girlfriend then joined the manual entry queue, which lacked clear markings.

After about 30 minutes, confusion arose as the queue was initially for elderly individuals but turned into a disorganized rush towards the back rows. A side exit was opened at one point, causing chaos as people tried to exit through the single-person entrance.

Despite the commotion, Mr Tsoi noted that most people tried to maintain order and politeness during the situation.