Frequent visitors to Malaysia can "fast track" through immigration

15 January 2010 , By Channel News Asia

Singaporeans who travel frequently to Malaysia can now "fast track" through immigration.

If they have recently entered Malaysia at least four times in a month, they can apply for a special pass which allows clearance through either Woodlands (above) or Tuas checkpoint without having to fill up the white immigration card.

With the Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS) pass - a sticker embedded with a Radio Frequency Identification chip that is stuck in the passport - they can zip through immigration clearance in Malaysia without worrying if their passport has been stamped.

All details will be captured electronically at the autogates.

The scheme was launched in July last year but only made available to Singaporean frequent travellers last month.

The hope is that more Singaporeans will visit Johor, said director of Tourism Malaysia Zalizam Zakaria at a briefing on Thursday.

Some 12.7 million Singaporeans visited Malaysia last year - nearly 54 per cent of the country's total visitorship figures.

The MACS pass costs RM30 (S$12.50) and is valid for one year. Spouses and children of frequent travellers can also apply for the pass.

For application details, visit www.imi.gov.my.