Malaysia’s New Border Agency Aims to Ease Congestion at Johor-Singapore Crossings

By Vera Lennox, South East Asia Correspondent

In a bid to streamline cross-border movement and tackle chronic congestion, Malaysia has launched the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), a new body tasked with overseeing the country’s international checkpoints. On its first day of operation, immigration and customs officers were seen inspecting vehicles at the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, and Quarantine (ICQS) complex, marking the beginning of what many hope will be a transformative chapter for border management, particularly at the busy Johor Baru-Singapore crossings.

The establishment of AKPS comes as a response to long-standing complaints about delays and inefficiencies at Malaysia’s borders, especially at the Johor Causeway and the Second Link, which connect Johor Baru to Singapore. These checkpoints are among the busiest in Southeast Asia, facilitating the daily commute of thousands of workers, as well as trade and tourism between the two nations. Travellers and commuters have expressed cautious optimism about the agency’s potential to improve efficiency, while stressing the need for consistent implementation and cross-border collaboration.

A Step Towards Efficiency

The creation of AKPS consolidates border management under a single authority, a move inspired by similar agencies in neighbouring Singapore, where the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has long coordinated such operations. For many regular commuters, the hope is that this centralisation will eliminate overlapping duties among agencies and lead to smoother, faster clearances.

R. Kalesz, a 40-year-old civil engineer who travels daily to Singapore via the Second Link by bus, welcomed the initiative. “I think it is a good move. This may help ease traffic congestion for vehicles travelling between Johor Baru and Singapore,” he told local media. However, he cautioned that the success of AKPS would depend on sustained efforts and consistency in rolling out new measures. Kalesz also highlighted the need for the agency to proactively manage peak traffic periods, such as weekends and festive seasons, and to address issues like queue-jumping, which often exacerbates delays.

Similarly, Mohd Fauzan Hafizi Rosli, a 37-year-old technician who commutes by motorcycle, believes a unified agency could prevent bureaucratic overlaps. “It is better to have just one agency coordinating and managing the border to avoid any overlap of duties,” he said. His sentiment reflects a broader desire among commuters for clarity and efficiency in border operations.

Collaboration with Singapore: A Key to Success

Beyond domestic coordination, the effectiveness of AKPS may hinge on its ability to work closely with Singaporean authorities. The Johor-Singapore border is a shared responsibility, and any improvements on the Malaysian side must be mirrored by cooperation across the Causeway. Assistant sales manager Tan Sheau Hui, 50, who commutes weekly by bus, emphasised this point. “There is a crucial need for close collaboration between Malaysia and Singapore for AKPS to succeed,” she said, adding that such partnership could pave the way for faster immigration clearance and better overall management.

Tan also pointed to upcoming developments that could further strain border infrastructure, such as the Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link), a rail project connecting Johor Baru to Singapore, expected to be completed in the near future. Coupled with growing trade and business activities in Johor, the region is poised for a surge in cross-border traffic. “There will be more people travelling at a faster rate. We need to be prepared for this and must have a system that can accommodate it,” she noted.

If successful, AKPS could set a precedent for managing increased movement, ensuring that infrastructure and processes keep pace with economic and social ties between the two nations. However, if coordination falters, the agency risks becoming another layer of bureaucracy rather than a solution to existing challenges.

Challenges and Expectations

While the launch of AKPS has generated hope, it also raises questions about implementation and capacity. Managing border traffic is a complex task, involving not just immigration and customs checks but also security, public safety, and infrastructure constraints. The Johor Causeway, for instance, is notorious for long delays during peak hours, with commuters often waiting several hours to cross. Addressing such bottlenecks will require more than just a new agency—it will demand investment in technology, staff training, and perhaps even physical upgrades to checkpoints.

Moreover, the agency must navigate the delicate balance of enforcing strict border controls while facilitating legitimate travel and trade. Malaysia and Singapore share deep economic ties, with Singapore being one of Malaysia’s largest trading partners. Any missteps in border management could have ripple effects on businesses, tourism, and bilateral relations. For now, the agency’s performance at high-traffic points like Bukit Kayu Hitam and Johor Baru will serve as a litmus test for its broader effectiveness.

There is also the question of public accountability. Commuters like Kalesz have called for AKPS to take firm action against practices like queue-jumping, which not only worsen congestion but also breed frustration among law-abiding travellers. Establishing clear protocols and ensuring transparency in how the agency operates will be critical to building public trust.

Broader Implications for Malaysia’s Borders

The creation of AKPS is not just about Johor-Singapore crossings—it signals a potential overhaul of how Malaysia manages all its international borders, from the northern frontier with Thailand to entry points with Indonesia and Brunei. Border security and efficiency are increasingly pressing issues as Southeast Asia grapples with challenges ranging from illegal migration to cross-border crime. If AKPS can deliver on its promise at Johor Baru, it may provide a model for other checkpoints, enhancing Malaysia’s reputation as a regional hub for trade and travel.

At the same time, the agency’s success could have geopolitical implications. Stronger border management may bolster Malaysia’s position in regional discussions on security and migration, particularly within ASEAN frameworks. However, this will depend on whether AKPS can avoid becoming mired in the inefficiencies it was created to address. For now, its early days are being closely watched by commuters, policymakers, and neighbouring countries alike.

A Cautious Optimism

As AKPS begins its operations, the mood among travellers at Malaysia’s borders is one of cautious optimism. The agency represents a long-overdue attempt to modernise and streamline border management, particularly at critical points like Johor Baru. Yet, its ability to deliver tangible improvements remains to be seen. Commuters have voiced clear expectations: faster clearances, better traffic management, and seamless collaboration with Singapore.

For Malaysia, the stakes are high. With projects like the RTS Link on the horizon and economic ties with Singapore deepening, efficient border operations are not just a matter of convenience but a cornerstone of regional connectivity. If AKPS can rise to the challenge, it may herald a new era of border management in Malaysia. If not, the frustrations of long queues and delays will persist, underscoring the gap between policy ambition and practical outcomes.

For now, as officers inspect vehicles at Bukit Kayu Hitam and other checkpoints under the agency’s new banner, travellers can only wait and hope that this initiative marks the start of smoother journeys ahead.