Singaporeans will have to fill in embarkation and disembarkation forms from Wednesday when they enter or leave Malaysia through the Causeway and the Second Link, Malaysian media reported on Monday.
This means Immigration clearance will take a longer time at both the entry and exit points as Immigration Department officers will have to spend more time verifying their forms and passports.
Since Jan. 20 this year, Singaporeans were exempted from filling in the forms, popularly known as the "white cards", when visiting Malaysia through the land entry points. All they had to do was to hand over their passports for verification and scanning.
The move, which was well received by Singaporeans, was aimed at easing traffic flow at the border points and promoting tourism and retail activities.
Obviously, scrapping the exemption will mean longer queues at Immigration checkpoints, especially during weekends or public holidays.
Immigration officers stationed at both checkpoints confirmed the new rule. However, they do not know the reason for it.
Malaysian southern Johor state Tourist Guide Association chairman Jimmy Leong said he was only informed about the new ruling early this week.
"This is going to affect their arrivals. Eventually, many sectors will suffer, tourism among them.
"We should make life easier for our guests, not the other way round. I hope the department will reconsider its move," the New Straits Times quoted Leong as saying.
Source:Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article