When you’re returning home from a long flight, the last thing you want is to be stuck in an immigration queue that takes forever to move. While autogates have been helpful in speeding things up to get travellers past immigration, Malaysians should take note that these autogates will be suspended for the time being due to Covid-19 fears that have grown significantly over the past couple of days.
“Yes (the autogate system) is temporarily suspended and will not affect the entry of tourists. It is for the purpose of stricter control in dealing with the spread of the Covid-19 virus and we will continue to work closely with the Health Ministry on the issue, ” said immigration director, Datuk Khairul Dzaimee Daud, in a statement recorded by the Star last night (4th February).
This suspension extends to all electronic automatic gates and custom clearance services (E-GATE), Malaysia-Singapore and Matthias Checkpoints (MACS) and Motorcycle Auto Clearance Systems (M-BIKE).
“The closure notice is effective today and will be notified again if there is an update”, said the director in response to the Malaysian Immigration Department’s directive letter to all the State Immigration directors, calling for the suspension of Autogate and E-gate systems.
Datuk Khairul also used the opportunity to urge all travellers to cooperate with the instructions of authorities so immigration can proceed smoothly.
As troublesome as this move may seem, it’s better to be cautious about the surfaces we frequently come into contact with than to risk exposure to this viral outbreak!
Also read: Researchers: COVID-19 Coronavirus Has Mutated & There Are Now 2 Strains Infecting Humans
