M’sia’s QR Code Trial at JB Causeway Checkpoint Delayed; Second Checkpoint Trial Still Ongoing

By
Shernice Sim
-

For many Malaysians working or schooling on our shores, crossing the Johor-Singapore Causeway is a daily routine.

To ease this process, Malaysian authorities revealed that they will be testing a new QR code system for immigration clearance.

This proof-of-concept (POC) testing aims to replace physical passports with digital QR codes, streamlining the movement across this busy border.

The trial for the QR code system was initially set to begin on 1 June 2024.

However, according to the Johor works, transportation, infrastructure and communication committee chairman Mr Fazli Salleh, a delay pushed the start date at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) complex to mid-June due to technical issues.

Meanwhile, testing at the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) began as scheduled.

The POC involves two different mobile applications: MyTrip and MyRentas.

“KSAB has begun as scheduled on Saturday (1 June) and so far, it is running smoothly,” Mr Fazli said on 2 June. 

“Those travelling through KSAB can use the QR code system through MyTrip, which is embedded in the MySejahtera mobile app. At the BSI, the mobile app travellers could use to test out the system is called MyRentas,” he explained. 

“However, MyRentas’ applications are still being developed and are expected to be fully ready within the next two weeks.”

Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof previously stated that the three-month trial period for the POC system for both BSI and KSAB would commence on 1 June, initially targeting Malaysian motorcycle and bus travellers.

How the System Works

Using either the MyTrip or MyRentas app on their smartphone, travellers generate a unique QR code which would be then scanned at immigration counters instead of presenting a passport.

This method is expected to cut the clearance time by half, benefiting the estimated 400,000 daily travellers.

Travellers are advised to create their QR codes at least an hour before reaching the immigration counters.

The QR code system is designed to simplify and expedite the immigration process. By reducing clearance time, it aims to alleviate congestion at the border.

This initiative aligns with similar systems already in place, such as Singapore’s QR clearance system, implemented in March 2024.

Both apps will undergo a three-month trial period. Officials are keen on collecting user feedback to determine which application works best.

According to Mr Fazli, traveller feedback is crucial for refining the system and making informed decisions about its future implementation.

The response from travellers so far has been encouraging, with reportedly nearly 70,000 people registering for the trial. Many bus passengers at KSAB have opted to try the new QR code system, even though traditional methods like E-gates and manual lanes are still available.

In a media statement posted on Facebook on 4 June, the Department of Immigration Malaysia (JIM) director-general Ruslin Jusoh announced that the trial has received positive feedback from users in Malaysia.

So far, 117,000 users have downloaded the MyTRIP mobile application, with around 13,846 people using it to cross borders.

Despite initial technical delays at BSI, authorities are working to ensure MyRentas is ready for trial within two weeks.

Once both systems are running, authorities will compare their performance based on user feedback.

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Shernice Sim