A casual trip across the Causeway turned into a nerve-wracking experience for a Singaporean TikTok user, @6ixthlane, who found himself stranded in Johor Bahru after losing his passport earlier this month.
The unforeseen situation led to a series of challenges and unexpected twists as Tan navigated the bureaucratic process to secure entry back into Singapore.
Supper Plans Gone Awry
The netizen and his friend embarked on a motorbike journey to Johor Bahru for a simple supper on Saturday, Jan 6. The plan was to return to Singapore within two to three hours, making it a short and sweet excursion across the border.
While at a petrol station convenience store near the Causeway, the netizen made a disconcerting discovery – his passport was missing from his pocket. Determined not to succumb to panic, he then immediately called the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) hotline for guidance on the next steps.
Following MFA’s advice, he reported the loss of his passport to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and initiated the process for a Document of Identity (DOI). The Consulate-General of Singapore in Johor Bahru would play a crucial role in the subsequent steps.
While waiting for the Consulate-General to open, the netizen and his friend spent the night in the convenience store. Despite facing heavy rain and lacking raincoats, they opted not to venture to the police station immediately.
Anticipating a more extended process, the duo checked into a hotel on Sunday morning to rest and refresh themselves, ready for the bureaucratic hurdles ahead.
The Waiting Game
Despite lodging a police report on Sunday evening, the netizen received no communication from the Consulate-General. The uncertainty and stress loomed as the question “No passport, how to go home?” persisted.
Finally, on Monday morning, the netizen received a call from the Consulate-General, instructing him to visit as soon as possible. Relief washed over him as he secured an approved Document of Identity, a critical document for re-entry into Singapore.
The final obstacle emerged as the netizen needed a special pass from the Ministry of Home Affairs Malaysia to cross JB customs. However, an online appointment requirement pushed his potential passage to April.
Fearing being trapped in Johor Bahru for months, he decided to test his luck and headed for Woodlands Checkpoint. At Johor Bahru customs, he underwent extensive questioning but eventually gained passage back to Singapore.
A Surreal Homecoming
His ordeal concluded with his return to Singapore, armed with the necessary documents to navigate the stringent border controls. His TikTok journey documented the unforeseen challenges of a seemingly routine cross-border trip.
While the netizen’s experience had its share of stress and uncertainties, it serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding travel documents and the unpredictable nature of navigating bureaucratic processes.
Source: @6ixthlane on TikTok