A major system glitch has caused chaos at Malaysia’s land checkpoints with Singapore, with immigration autogates at the Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ Complex in Johor Bahru experiencing major disruptions. This has led to thousands of travellers — mostly Singaporeans — facing hours-long queues, as reported by Malaysian media and social media users on the ground.
The disruption began around noon on 18 July and has affected more than 200 autogates across the country, including those at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). According to the Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ’s official Facebook page, the system used in the immigration hall for bus passengers is currently facing delays, prompting technical teams to carry out urgent repair works.
Only Malaysians Can Use Autogates, Foreigners Affected
In a move that further frustrated cross-border travellers, Malaysian passport holders were still able to clear immigration using the autogate system. A notice at the checkpoint confirmed that the system is currently down for foreign nationals, sparking unhappiness among Singaporean commuters and tourists.
Photos posted on the “Woodlands Checkpoint Human Traffic” Facebook group showed massive queues snaking through the bus arrival hall, with people reportedly stuck in line for over four hours. This incident has raised concerns over the reliability of Malaysia’s automated border control systems, especially during peak travel periods like weekends and public holidays.
Authorities Investigating Possible Sabotage or Cyberattack
A Malaysian security officer quoted by The Star said the root cause of the disruption is still unknown, and investigations are underway to rule out possibilities such as sabotage or hacking. Given the scale of the breakdown, authorities are not taking any chances. The Malaysian People’s Volunteer Corps (RELA) has been deployed to help manage the surging crowd, and contra lanes have also been opened at both land checkpoints to ease congestion.
The disruption couldn’t have come at a worse time, with thousands crossing the Causeway daily for work, school, or leisure. Singaporeans — who rely on efficient border clearance — have taken to social media to vent their frustration, with many questioning why there were no backup systems in place.
Checkpoint Glitch Could Hurt Tourism and Daily Commute
These glitches could have larger implications beyond just a few hours of waiting. Delays at the Malaysia-Singapore border are not only a huge inconvenience for commuters but can also impact tourism, logistics, and economic activity. With Singaporeans forming one of the largest groups of short-term visitors to Malaysia, repeated issues like this could discourage casual travel.
The Malaysian government has urged the public to stay updated through official social media channels and assured that technical teams are working round the clock to restore normal operations.
As of now, there’s no clear timeline for when the system will be fully restored. Travellers planning to cross the Causeway in the next few days are advised to expect delays and consider alternative transport arrangements if necessary.
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