Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - All set for traveller influx as Malaysia reopens borders

All set for traveller influx as Malaysia reopens borders

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Khairul Dzaimee said that between March 1 and 28, a total of 84,915 international passports were issued, which showed that Malaysians are eager to travel again. THE STAR

All set for traveller influx as Malaysia reopens borders

Immigration services at Malaysia’s entry points will be back to their pre-pandemic strength in anticipation of large crowds of travellers as the country reopens its borders on April 1.

Aside from having to handle travellers entering and leaving the country, the Immigration Department is also gearing up for the expected influx of applications for foreign workers.

Its director-general Khairul Dzaimee Daud said that counters at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, KLIA2, and the Causeway and Second Link in Johor, will operate on a 24-hour basis beginning April 1.

“While we will see to it that all immigration protocols are adhered to by travellers, we also want to ensure the process of entering Malaysia is smooth and efficient,” he said when contacted.

Khairul Dzaimee said that with all auto gates operational at KLIA, KLIA2, the Causeway and Second Link, counters will be at 50% capacity, which he said would be sufficient to handle the numbers.

Travellers from countries requiring a visa to enter Malaysia would have to present the document upon arrival, their return ticket, pre-booked accommodations as well as proof of sufficient funds to finance their stay here.

“We are working closely with the Health Ministry to ensure health protocols are followed. Their system is linked to our MyImms and we will know if those entering Malaysia have been fully vaccinated or otherwise,” he added.

Khairul Dzaimee said that between March 1 and 28, a total of 84,915 international passports were issued, showing a strong indication that Malaysians are eager to travel after being unable to do so since the start of the pandemic in 2020.

“We expect the number of passport applications to increase after Hari Raya Aidilfitri when many more countries open their borders,” he added.

On the possible influx of foreign workers, Khairul Dzaimee said his department would have no problem coping with a surge in applications for work permits as all transactions, including levy payments, would be done online.

“Long queues at immigration offices are a thing of the past. Employers only need to be present to collect work permits,” he said.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said the police force is also ready for the reopening of borders.

“As with other agencies, we have made ample preparations especially at the northern and southern borders in Peninsular Malaysia as well as Sabah and Sarawak,” he told reporters at the Defence Services Asia and National Security Asia 2022 exhibitions on March 29.

THE STAR (MALAYSIA)/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

MOST VIEWED

  • Bareknuckle champion wants Kun Khmer fighter

    Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

  • Struggling Battambang artist dreams of staging full-scale gallery exhibition

    Leav Kimchhoth, a 55-year-old artist from Battambang province, is a familiar face to locals and tourists alike on the streets of the riverside in Phnom Penh. The one-armed painter and illustrator often hawks his work near the night market on weekends and public holidays. He

  • Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia

    A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • New Law on Taxation comes into effect

    Cambodia has enacted the eagerly-awaited new Law on Taxation, which aims to improve the national tax regime’s compliance with present and future international standards and economic conditions; encourage accountability, effectiveness and transparency in the collection process; and promote investment in the Kingdom. King Norodom

  • PM warns of int’l election interference

    With the national election scheduled to take place in less than two months, Prime Minister Hun Sen has warned foreign nations and their diplomats not to interfere into Cambodia’s domestic affairs. He also hinted that their statements on court verdicts handed down to any