Going to Johor, whether it’s for a day trip or a longer weekend getaway, is among the top few choices for many Singaporeans. And why not? It offers a change of scenery, different variations of our local cuisine, and, more importantly, allows us to take advantage of the lower cost of living.
However, as the world’s busiest land border, with over 400,000 people crossing daily, travel between Singapore and Johor may not be all that quick and easy. As documented here, it can easily take a couple of hours (or more) to cross the roughly 1 km-long Causeway, especially on weekends or during public holidays.
Thankfully, that journey can now be faster—even before the completion of the Johor–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS)—with the Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS 2.0). From January 20, 2023, Singaporeans can also use the electronic gate (e-gate) facilities, which were previously limited to only Malaysian passport holders, at Johor’s two land entry points at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) – via Woodlands Checkpoint and the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) – via Tuas Checkpoint.
Here’s how you can apply for the MACS 2.0 pass and clear customs (hopefully) in double quick time.
What Is the Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS 2.0)
The Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS 2.0) is simply a form of fast-track facilitation for Singapore citizens who travel frequently between Malaysia and Singapore. This means Singapore passport holders with the MACS pass will not need Malaysian immigration stamps on entry and exit.
According to Minister of Home Affairs Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, the opening of the e-gate facilities would benefit up to 50,000 Singaporean visitors who visit Johor for social purposes.
The e-gate facility will also be opened to visitors from countries categorised as low-risk, such as Brunei, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, and Japan.
Read Also: Malaysia My Second Home: How Much Does It Cost To Retire In Malaysia
Who Is Eligible For MACS Pass
Visitors holding a Singapore biometric passport (e-passport) with a minimum validity of not less than three months or Malaysia long-term pass are eligible to apply for the MACS 2.0. Applicants must also be above the minimum height of 120 cm.
Read Also: Shopping Across the Causeway: 12 Things You Can And Cannot Buy
How You Can Apply For MACS Pass
Visitors holding a Singapore biometric passport can enrol for the MACS 2.0 pass for free directly at the Malaysian immigration counter or submit their Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within 3 days prior to the date of arrival in CIQ BSI and CIQ KSAB. You would need to input your personal travel details including your place of residence in Malaysia.
After your registration, check your eligibility status under the “check e-gate eligibility status” tab. This will indicate if your registration was successful. However, do note that even with registration, you may be denied access to the e-gate clearance, necessitating a switch to manual counter clearance. Therefore, do plan sufficient time for your travel journey to clear the borders under those circumstances.
When you reach the customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) complex in Johor Bahru, look for the electronic gates. These e-gates, which are typically used by Malaysians, are on the left of the manual immigration counters. Look for the lanes that accept Singapore passports to clear immigration. Simply scan your passport and follow through on the clearance, which would take no more than 15 seconds.
What To Do After Registration
Even after signing up for the first-time, visitors from Singapore are reminded to fill out and submit the MDAC online within 3 days prior to every visit. This would ensure that there are no hiccups for your clearance using the e-gates, allowing you to skip the manual immigration counters.
Here’s an infographic that summarises the steps to apply for the MACS 2.0 Pass:
This article was originally published on 17 March 2023 and updated with new information.
The post Singapore Guide To Applying For The Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS 2.0) Pass appeared first on DollarsAndSense.sg.
