In a surprise evening inspection at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex, Johor Chief Minister Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi voiced strong dissatisfaction over a system disruption that had lasted for more than 24 hours, severely affecting operations and causing long queues at the border checkpoint.
The visit was carried out on the instructions of DYAM Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the Acting Sultan of Johor. Onn Hafiz said he was “deeply disappointed” upon learning of the prolonged disruption, which he said had impacted thousands of daily commuters and travellers crossing between Johor Bahru and Singapore.
System Breakdown Causes Major Border Delays
According to the Chief Minister, the breakdown in the system highlighted serious weaknesses in the current operational infrastructure. Despite some improvements in managing congestion, he said the situation at Malaysia’s border checkpoints is still far from satisfactory.
“This matter has been raised directly with the relevant federal authorities,” he said. “I urge that immediate steps be taken to prevent this from happening again. We need an operating system that is efficient, consistent, and able to function optimally at all times.”
The disruption led to significant delays, with many travellers turning to social media to express their frustrations. Long queues of vehicles and travellers were reported at the CIQ complex, with some claiming they were stuck for hours.
Damage to Johor and Malaysia’s Global Reputation
Onn Hafiz warned that such failures do not only inconvenience citizens, but could also tarnish Johor’s and Malaysia’s reputation internationally. As one of the busiest land entry points in Southeast Asia, he stressed that the CIQ complex must represent the nation’s standards of efficiency and reliability.
“This is not just about local inconvenience—it reflects on our capability as a nation. If the system fails here, it sends the wrong signal to the world,” he said.
He concluded by calling for better coordination between state and federal agencies to ensure Johor’s key infrastructure meets international standards, adding a prayer for the well-being of the state and the Sultan.
The statement has sparked discussions about the need for urgent reforms and investment into Malaysia’s border systems, especially at critical entry points like BSI, which handles tens of thousands of travellers daily.
Image Source: Onn Hafiz Ghaz