The Home Ministry is considering establishing special fast lanes at Malaysia's entry points to facilitate the return of Malaysians working in Singapore for the upcoming Johor state election, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed on June 9.
Saifuddin Nasution was quoted by Bernama as speaking to reporters after attending the Home Ministry's Citra Negara programme at the Advanced Technology Centre (ADTEC) in Batu Pahat, Johor. He said the Immigration Department and other relevant agencies under his ministry would prepare accordingly once the Election Commission announces polling dates.
"We at the ministry, particularly the Immigration Department and other relevant agencies, will respond accordingly after the EC makes its announcement," Saifuddin Nasution said.
The issue of Singapore-based voters has emerged as a critical operational concern for election planners in Johor. The southern state shares two major land crossings with Singapore - the Johor-Singapore Causeway and the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link - through which hundreds of thousands of Malaysians commute daily for employment. During previous elections, Johor polling stations near the Singapore border experienced significant congestion as cross-border workers returned en masse to cast their ballots.
Saifuddin Nasution, who also serves as secretary-general of Pakatan Harapan, noted that the EC's announcement would give the Home Ministry and Immigration Department the clarity needed to operationalise any special arrangements.
The Johor State Legislative Assembly was dissolved on June 1. The EC is scheduled to hold a special meeting on June 12 to determine key dates, including nomination day and polling day. With over 2.7 million registered voters in Johor, managing cross-border voter movement represents a significant logistical challenge. -- Source: Bernama
