Images of snaking queues are once again circulating online, this time from Johor Bahru, as people return to Singapore after the long weekend.
Malaysia-Singapore Border Crossers Facebook group member Wei Ern posted a photo of the situation in JB on Sunday (April 17), showing queues had spilt over the street leading to the Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex.
A similar situation was spotted at the basement bus station, with people waiting in line shoulder-to-shoulder with other passengers.
“The crowd was overwhelming at BSI CIQ at 12:30 pm today, but Auxiliary Policemen (Police Bantuan), Tuan Fariduddin and two of his colleagues were at their best,” shared a group member, highlighting a heartwarming sight amid the circumstances.
The passenger spotted the officers escorting a pregnant lady together with their husband to board the bus.
“The only setback was the escalator which was not working. I suppose The authorities may have a reason for not allowing it to function,” he added.
Meanwhile, the crowds outside the Komtar JBCC mall multiplied, the lines tripling and people queuing dangerously on the road.
The gloomy weather and potential downpour did not help the passengers waiting in the unsheltered area.
Before the long weekend started, the bus stop at Woodlands Checkpoint also became congested with people heading over to Malaysia.
The overcrowding situation worsened on Thursday night to the point that bus services were temporarily halted at the bus stop.
Although services resumed before midnight, more queues were spotted the following morning, leading to a suggestion by netizens for real-time cameras to be installed in the area so that passengers could check in advance before making travel plans.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority also advised motorists to check with the One Motoring website before travelling. /TISG