Johor MB: Autogate system failure an embarrassment to Malaysia

New Straits Times

a day ago

JOHOR BARU: Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi did not mince his words in voicing his frustration over the autogate system failure at Johor's border crossing with Singapore, describing it as "an embarrassment to the country."
The Johor Menteri Besar said the system failure reflects badly on Malaysia and the government's ability to welcome visitors.
Speaking to the New Straits Times during his visit to the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex today, he said the problem has yet to be resolved.
He said the issue undermined Malaysia's efforts to welcome international visitors, particularly at a time when Johor is working closely with Singapore under the Special Economic Zone framework.
"We have worked so hard to promote Johor and Malaysia as open and investment-friendly — what message are we sending to the world when this happens?"
"This is not just an inconvenience — it reflects on the government's competence," he said.
He said the system began having problems at 3pm on Friday.
"At 4.30pm today, it's still not functioning yet. This is serious and it must be addressed at the federal level to ensure it doesn't happen again," he said.
Asked on theories that sabotage or hacking was behind the problem, Onn Hafiz said he did not wish to speculate.
"However, our neighbouring countries such as Singapore and Thailand had not experienced similar immigration system disruptions.
"We should be asking why only our system is vulnerable," he said.
The Johor-Singapore border is acknowledged as one of the world's busiest cross-border land crossings, catering for an average of 300,000 people daily.
In a posting on Facebook later, Onn Hafiz said his visit to the BSI was done at the decree of Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
He said he has extended his concerns at the federal level.
"we need an operations system that is efficient, consistent, and able to function at an optimum level at all times.
"While there have been some improvements, it's not enough. It has yet to reach a level of efficiency we hope for.
"Such weaknesses not only inconvenience the people, but also affects the country's image as it is among the busiest entry points in the region." he said.
Meanwhile, Johor Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said the authorities have activated contra lanes at the state's border checkpoints to ease congestion.
He said the state government was also awaiting updates from federal authorities regarding the cause of the technical disruption.
"We don't know yet whether it was sabotage or otherwise.
"What we do know is that the Interpol system is having issues, and we are doing what we can on the ground to manage the situation," he added.