By Desiree Tresar Gasper

JOHOR BARU, Malaysia: An automated clearance system, initially introduced for investors coming into Iskandar Malaysia, is now open to all residents from the Island Republic.

Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mahmood Adam said that Singaporeans frequently travelling between both countries could apply for the Malaysian Automated Checkpoint System (MACS), which was introduced five months ago.

Besides Singaporeans, foreign nationals living there can also apply for this sticker which costs RM30 (S$12) annually.

"We have already prepared about 100,000 stickers for those who are interested in using the MACS," he said, adding that the authorities were confident that this move would ease the congestion at both the land entry points into the country.

The present entry points are the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine in Bukit Chagar and the Second Link.

"We have received numerous complaints on the long queues that people have to go through on a daily basis especially those who frequent the causeway daily," he said.

He added that the system was set up in April but many still were not aware of it.

He was speaking during a press conference after handing out Hari Raya cookies to staff working at CIQ on Sept 20.

"If more Singaporeans apply for the system, it will definitely help smoothen the clearance process at the check points," he said adding that the RM30 was a yearly fee for the sticker.

He also explained that special lanes had been set up for MACS users and with the system, it would take them less than three seconds to get through the immigration checks.

"The system is simple, once applied, a sticker will be attached to the passport of the user which will contain all the information needed to clear the check point.

"The user just has to touch the passport onto a scanner before placing his thumb onto a reader to pass through," he said.

Mahmood added that fliers and other information relating to the system would also be distributed to the public to ensure that more people were aware of the facility.

Those interested in applying for the sticker can do so at the immigration office at the CIQ in Bukit Chagar. --The Star/Asia News Network