Causeway Updates (Singapore/ Johor Bahru) - 13th Jun 2009

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Causeway Updates (Singapore/ Johor Bahru) – 13th Jun 2009

June 13th, 2009 lawrence.gan

If you have not been to Johor Bahru for a while, here are some updates for traveling across the causeway you might want to pay attention to:

1. Smaller White Cards
Smaller White Cards are now in use. This represents a 30% shrinkage from the original size. Besides the smaller size, the other notable difference from the original white card is the addition of more tick-boxes under the “Purpose of Visit” column (Sports, Incentive Travel and Health options are added). See image below.

Limsimi.com - Smaller White Cards are now in use

If you are one of those who managed to stockpile the larger version of white cards (me included – I have about 100 of them), don’t fret. They can still be in use.

2. Traffic Diversion for entry to Johor Bahru
You will no longer drive through the old Johor Bahru Custom en-route to the new Johor Bahru CIQ. Instead, you will skirt pass it on the right hand side (see image below).

Limsimi.com - Old Johor Bahru Custom is non-passable

Nothing to really worry about. Just follow the cars in front of you if you are unsure. If you want to top up your Touch and Go (TNG) card, the TNG office at the Old Johor Bahru custom is still open, howbeit it is inconvenient to do now that it is out of the way (as you are not driving through the Old Johor Bahru custom). Alternatively, just enter the any dedicated lanes (A7, B8, C10 and D10) at the new Johor Bahru CIQ which have TNG top-up services.

3. Swine Flu

Limsimi.com - Current Flu Alert Level (12th Jun 2009)

While Singapore’s Flu Alert Level is still YELLOW, temperature screening for drivers and their passengers at the Woodlands Checkpoint has been enforced. You will be required to wind down your windows (including rear passenger windows) for the custom officer to aim the temperature screening device on you and your passengers, just to ensure you do not have a fever. Additional delay for custom clearance, but something necessary to contain and control any outbreak of Swine Flu in Singapore.

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Entry Filed under: New Johor Bahru Custom/CIQ Complex

42 Comments Add your own

1. vincent | June 15th, 2009 at 12:02 PM

To add on, they scan at the boot checking place. Will scan the passengers sitting in the car first before the driver is required to come out of the car to open the boot. Temperature scanning is quite fast at about 5-10s, although i doubt the accuracy as there is car aircon blowing direct to the face when driving.

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2. sigit | June 17th, 2009 at 9:58 AM

Hi Lawrence, thanks for the information. Appreciate if you can continue to update us fi there are any changes in Johor Bahru Customs.

Terima Kasih!

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3. Peter | June 17th, 2009 at 9:18 PM

Hi, can we buy the touch & go card at the dedicated lane as well?

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admin Reply:
June 18th, 2009 at 9:35 AM
Hi Peter, experience is they occasionally run out of stock and you have to walk to the next available Dedicated lane if so (incurring the wrath of the driver behind you). If you do not have a touch and go card, make sense for you to stop by the TNG office at the old Johor Bahru custom to get one first.

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4. Irene | July 8th, 2009 at 1:16 AM

I am a Singaporean who will be moving to live in JB soon and I am quite concerned about immigration and customs altho people have told me there won’t be any problems…

Has anyone or heard of anyone who has ever had problems with immigration for travelling in and out of JB too frequently?

When filling up the white card for Country of Residence, should I write Singapore or Malaysia?

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admin Reply:
July 8th, 2009 at 8:17 AM
No issues at all, even if you travel in/out of JB everyday. Some of us changes our Singapore passport after just 2 years as the pages are not enough and we did not encounter any issues due to frequent travel through the custom.

For White card, if u still have a Singapore address on your ic, you can continue to put SG.

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5. Irene | July 8th, 2009 at 11:03 AM

Thanks for your reply! And thanks again for an informative website

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6. Flowerpoddess | August 21st, 2009 at 10:12 PM

Hello,

My question is very much similiar to Irene’s, I intend on renting a place in JB and working in Singapore and I’m worried about them wondering why I come to JB to stay every night and they figure out a pattern or something.

Also, do I have to fill up the white card every single time?? I missed two buses and the people there don’t seem to hand out white card in stacks, I don’t drive so is there an easier way for me to get into Malaysia through the bus? I don’t think the touch and go applies to a Singaporean who can’t drive.

Help?
Thank you!

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admin Reply:
August 22nd, 2009 at 7:16 PM
It is perfectly fine if you go in/out JB everyday. The CIA and KGB will certainly not come to you!

Unfortunately, you need to fill in the white card every time. So make it a habit to always request for white card at the immigration clearance.

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7. Flowerpoddess | August 24th, 2009 at 12:08 AM

Hello,

Thank you for your response and the information provided. Do Singaporeans who own a property in JB, fill up white cards everyday?

Would you happen to know anything about bringing cats from Singapore to JB? I know there is no Quarantine needed, however I don’t know about the other required information.

Could you offer a suggestion on where I could live if I don’t drive and want to come into Singapore?

Thank you!

[Reply]
admin Reply:
August 24th, 2009 at 9:56 AM
Hi Flowerpoddess,

anyone who is a Singaporean (regardless of your frequency of travel or if you own a property in JB) will need to fill in a white card if you enter into JB.
Where you can stay in JB depends on what kind of apartment you need (fully furnished condo or just a room in a bungalow?) and where you work in Singapore too. If you work in Jurong, it might be more convenient for you to stay next Linkedua, places like Perling. If you work in town or nearer towards the North, you can consider places near to the Johor Bahru CIQ like Taman Sri Tebrau, Permas or Taman Sentosa. Your property agent should be able to give you the best advise.

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8. Scorpeez | August 26th, 2009 at 11:59 AM

Hi,

Tnx for the informative webs provided. Well me too will be moving to live in JB. No choice, my husband still jobless. We have to rent out our 5 rooms flat & decided to stay in JB. Though it was inconvenience to go in & out during weekdays for work & fetch kids for school but we save more $$$/RM.

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9. Flowerpoddess | September 1st, 2009 at 4:21 AM

Thanks for the reply. I’m wondering on how do I move all my items into Malaysia if I’m renting? The immigration can’t exactly know this so how do I get my personal belongings to my Malaysia address?

The other thing I’d like to know is, will I be able to import my cats into Malaysia if I’m on social visit?

Thanks!!!
Flowerpoddess

[Reply]
admin Reply:
September 1st, 2009 at 10:40 PM
Are you moving bulky items? If it is only clothes and some electrical applicances, it should not be an issue if you shuttle them using your car, howbeit you need to travel in/out of Sing/JB several times.

For pets:
You can travel from Singapore to Malaysia on social visit/ holidays but it is not so easy for your pet dog & pet cat. To bring your pets to Malaysia, you need an export permit from Singapore (AVA) and Import Permit from Malaysia – Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar Negeri Johor, Aras 5, Kompleks C2S, East Wing, Pusat Pentadbiran Baru Kerajaan Negeri Johor, 79000 Nusajaya. Tel: 07-2667501/02, Fax: 07-2909215.

However, upon returning from Malaysia , your pet dog & cat will be imposed with compulsory 30-day quarantine requirements because rabies disease concern as Malaysia is rabies at risk country still. The stringent regulations by AVA are put in place to safeguard the health and well being of animals in Singapore from entry of exotic diseases and in to maintain a disease-free status.

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10. Flowerpoddess | September 2nd, 2009 at 4:41 AM

Thank you for your response.

I do not own a car. I need loads of things moved like TV, several boxes of books and clothing and might need to bring over study table, computer table and tv stand.

Can I it be done while on social visa?

I’ve actually called that location and enquired on the permit and I’ve been told what I need to have. I’m actually struggling to get an export permit since I live in a HDB home in Singapore and have no private property address.

If I get that settled, will the Malaysia site let me import my cats while I’m on a social visa? Like, what do I put on the application, the real rental address?

There isn’t such a thing for Singaporeans as to how many times we “renew” our stay is there? Like, we get one month and if we leave and come back in, it’s another month, is there a limit as to how many times we can do this?

Oh and thank you very much for the telephone number for the authority for permit in Johor, I got it from AVA but I didn’t save the number, but I have their address.

I’m well aware of the 30 days quarantine but they mentioned that I can’t import my cat back to Singapore with a HDB address, so I’m stuck on what to do.

Flowerpoddess

[Reply]
admin Reply:
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:30 AM
My response, to the best of my knowledge below:

“I do not own a car. I need loads of things moved like TV, several boxes of books and clothing and might need to bring over study table, computer table and tv stand. Can I it be done while on social visa?”
- Yes. You can transport such items while on social pass.

“If I get that settled, will the Malaysia site let me import my cats while I’m on a social visa? Like, what do I put on the application, the real rental address?”
- You should put the real rental address. Should not be an issue even if you are on social visit. But really, it is a hassle to bring you cat over, and you face another big round of paper work to get it back to SG. On a long term basis, it is better to put the cat at either side of the causeway for your entire stay in JB – either it stays in JB throughout till the point you want to relocate back to SG or just keep it in SG and you can visit it over the weekend when u return from JB.

“There isn’t such a thing for Singaporeans as to how many times we “renew” our stay is there? Like, we get one month and if we leave and come back in, it’s another month, is there a limit as to how many times we can do this?”
- There is no limit. For your information, some of our visitors go in/out of JB almost everyday without an issue. Once you are in, you can stay for 1 month. The next time you go in to JB, this one-month starts from the new date you enters JB.

“I’m well aware of the 30 days quarantine but they mentioned that I can’t import my cat back to Singapore with a HDB address, so I’m stuck on what to do. ”
- Can’t help on this one. Need to find a way to get around it.

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11. Flowerpoddess | September 3rd, 2009 at 6:12 PM

Thank you for your response, it’s much appericiated!

How do I move that many items without a car? The moving companies are asking my rental agreement or for my passport, if I give that, will it show that I’m renting? I mean obviously, I know the rental agreement is out but this moving company mentioned that, I would need to pay import/duty taxes and give my passport details over so that it can be sent over. They said the import duty taxes is because it’s an incomplete form so they will charge me and the customs won’t be suspicious?

Yes, I want to keep my cats with me throughout the entire stay in JB in JB itself.

Are you Malaysian or Singapore/PR?

This is a message I got from someone:

“Yes, you do not need a visa for a stay not exceeding ONE month. However,
since your plan is to return to Singapore every month for a few days and return back to Malaysia to get another one month entry pass, this might after a while make the Malaysian immigration suspicious that you are a “visa runner” and
they might decide to ban you entry into Malaysia. You can choose this option without problem for the short term, however I am offering whether we can assist you to find a long term solution.”

It worries because we’re renting out our home in Singapore and we won’t have a place to go to if we are not allowed to go back in Malaysia.

Flowerpoddess

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12. Flowerpoddess | September 3rd, 2009 at 8:14 PM

Oh yeah, so if we travel out at say 10am and return back at 7 or 8pm everyday, the customs wouldn’t wonder why I’m leaving JB and returning back everyday to “sleep” in JB . . . I know about frequent in and out but going out and back in seems a bit . . . like a giveaway?

Flowerpoddess

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13. Irene | September 22nd, 2009 at 6:27 AM

Hi Flowerpoddess

I have seen your postings in allo’expats.com and i just read your postings here.

You seem overly concerned with too many issues although your biggest concern are your cats. Putting the cat issue aside, i think u just have to take chances and try it out in JB if u intend to live there. I am also quite concerned about immigration problems but judging from what i have read and heard, i think it is safe overall when checkpoint is concerned since there are many Singaporeans already doing it (living in JB on social visit pass and working in S’pore).

Right now, i am busy preparing for my move and i just hope it goes smoothly without hitches. When happens later when I am already living in JB is another matter.

I hope things work out for you and your cats.

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admin Reply:
September 24th, 2009 at 7:21 PM
Thanks Irene for sharing! Flowerpoddess, we hope you are still doing fine with your move to JB.

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14. Irene | October 8th, 2009 at 2:09 PM

I have moved in to JB almost 2 weeks ago and commuting four days a week into Singapore for work.

Going through immigration and customs is not as big a problem for me as dealing with JB cab drivers. I do not drive and have to rely on taxis to ferry me to the checkpoint from where I live. Although, most cabs have meters installed now, some drivers still charge me more than the meter fare and it can be quite frustrating.

I hope Flowerpoddess is still with this website. I wonder how she is doing. Just want to tell her that things will slowly but surely fall into place.

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15. anthony | October 23rd, 2009 at 3:16 PM

is it true that in total, you can only stay in m’sia for maximum of 180 days (cumulative) in a year ?

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16. 6oLsh0i_6o0z3 | October 27th, 2009 at 7:56 AM

Nope, there is no such thing Mr.Anthony.

Where did you hear about the 180 days max in a year?

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17. Kangwei | October 28th, 2009 at 1:05 AM

Hi,

Are pedestrians currently allowed to walk across the Causeway and clear Malaysia and Singapore immigration/customs on foot?

I know that Malaysia banned it about a year ago, but I heard that there was talk of overturning the ban.

Thanks!

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admin Reply:
October 28th, 2009 at 4:36 AM
It is technically still banned by Malaysia but not Singapore. Some people are still walking across now, although the walk will take an average person some good 25 minutes.

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18. chipdale | November 3rd, 2009 at 1:29 AM

hi can i ask can i bring a puppy out frm jb to singpore? i am a singaporean . i would like to buy a dog frm jb as it is cheaper. any steps?

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19. Rosni | January 11th, 2010 at 6:33 PM

HI, my uncle(M’sia)make a trip to Sgp by driving via JB CIQ however after reaching Sgp custom, he was shock that the passport not belongs to him and was escorted by Sgp officer back to JB.After fews hours searching in JB CIQ the officer said that they found the passport but he’s not allowed him to leave country until he goes back to KL HQ to get it re-issue.Is there any logic of getting to drive back to KL and return with the same passport after visit the KL HQ just for re-issue purpose?OR anyone ever encounter the same problem as my uncle to receive wrong passport(drive through) after JB CIQ.Please help to comment.The problem liase with my uncle was he didn’t check passport on spot after the officer scanning.Also, could the officer be so blur until can’t tell MALE & FEMALE passport holder.Just for info the wrong passport belongs to a female.

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admin Reply:
January 20th, 2010 at 8:57 AM
In the first place, do check your password after it is cleared by JB customs that:

1. Your passport is stamped (if you are a Singaporean)
2. Your passport IS your passport

JB processes are a clear as a muddy pool. Sometimes, what appears to be the most illogical option is the adopted practice by custom officers. Even then, no one can probably give an explanation or clarification on this except the senior custom officers themselves.

Just be more careful in future.

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20. Lizzie | January 28th, 2010 at 3:01 PM

Hi All,

I find this blog really interesting and very informative. I am a M’sian and will be moving to Sg soon for work, and wouldn’t have thought it viable to live in JB and work in Sg due to the hassle of commuting. But after reading some of the threads here, I am beginning to toy with the idea of perhaps staying in JB may not be such a bad thing after all!

Anyway, hope our S’porean friends here who are relocating or have relocated to live in JB are finding it a smooth and safe stay in JB.

Cheers

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21. json | September 4th, 2010 at 10:47 PM

hi! i am a filipino, my wife and i plan to visit singapore and malaysia for two weeks, is it possible if we stay in JB malaysia and go in and out of singapore everyday? thanks!

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admin Reply:
September 6th, 2010 at 7:26 AM
Hi Json,

its ok as long as you are prepared to brave the custom daily – it will take you an additional hour to get from Malaysia to SG and another 40 minutes or so to get to Singapore city area.

On the other hand, you do save on accommodation so do weigh up the options before making a decision.

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22. Carren | September 9th, 2010 at 4:45 AM

Dear admin and all,

I found the topic and postings here are very useful to me, especially your comments and replies regarding the immigration rules in malaysia and specifically about the issue of working in SG while staying in JB.

This really interests me because at the moment I am planning to move and live in JB while continue working in Singapore.

There is still one important question that I need answer desperately.
Here is my question: Is it also ok for a Singapore PR like me to go in and out of JB in a daily basis??
Fyi, I am an indonesian nasional with a Singapore PR.

The reason I ask this is because the stories that I read so far in this discussion forum are mostly about Singapore Citizen going in and out of JB in daily basis. I am just worried that this permission to travel between SG and JB in a daily basis maybe only applies to Singapore Citizen, but not to Singapore PR.

I know that technically as a nasional of an ASEAN country I can stay in Malaysia for up to one month. But if I have to go in and out of malaysia in a daily basis, would the malaysian immigration give me a one month visit pass every day I enter JB??

Once I get a confirmed answer regarding this issue, I will move soon to JB.

Thanks alot!

[Reply]
admin Reply:
October 16th, 2010 at 4:33 PM
Hi Carren, apologies for the late reply.

It is ok for a Singaporean PR (Indonesian) to travel in/out of JB on a daily basis. There is no policy which restricts daily travel across the causeway. In addition, every entry to Malaysia entitles you to a one month visit from the latest date of entry. Hope this clarifies and let us know if you have more queries.

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Susan Reply:
June 22nd, 2011 at 1:28 AM
Dear Admin

I’m indonesian working in Singapore under employment pass(s-pass) been thinking to move and stay in JB as my brother is going to study in JB.

Been told by the school that they might be able to apply a long term visit pass for me under my brother student pass. But i cant find any information about this anywhere.

And if i cant get the long term visit pass, can i still travelling SG-JB almost evyday without any problem in the immigration?

Been reading about MACS too, am i eligible for this?

Hope to get a reply from you.

Thanks

[Reply]
admin Reply:
July 15th, 2011 at 11:02 PM
Hi Susan., the MACS is only eligible for non-Malaysian daily trippers (involved with the development of Iskandar Region projects) or Singaporeans. Thus, you are not eligible.

You can travel SG-JB daily, with no issues at all.

Finally, I suggest you should call the IMI (Ministry of Home Affairs) for specific queries with regards to long term social visit pass. They can be contacted via:
03-88801000

[Reply]
Susan Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 5:31 PM
Hi Admin,

Thanks for your answer.

Found this website http://www.kln.gov.my/web/sgp_singapore/requirement_foreigner

It’s stated :
Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS)* is developed to cater for fast-track immigration clearance for non-Malaysian investors, business persons and professionals. MACS pass holders can be benefit from faster immigration processing via access to dedicated entry and exit MACS lanes at:
Bangunan Sultan Iskandar, Johor Bahru
Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar, Tanjung Kupang, Johor
Beginning from 22 January 2011, the privilege has been extended to all Singapore citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents and holders of Singapore Long Term Visit Pass** .

And written in the note : Long Term Passes (EmploymentPass / Dependant Pass / Work Permit / S-Pass / Student Pass/ Long Term Social Pass)

Is that mean as a holder of S-Pass, i’ll be eligible to apply for MACS too?

I still not dare to go and ask the officer at the MACS One Stop Center.

Not ready for the questions that they may ask..huh!

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admin Reply:
July 30th, 2011 at 11:09 AM
Thanks for the update Susan, this means that you are now eligible.

You can go ahead to apply for MACS – they do not usually ask questions in the application process. Have a smooth sailing trip to JB without the hassle of white cards.
23. Muarian | January 21st, 2011 at 7:09 PM

Dear Admin,
I am moving from Singapore to JB soon to save on costs. And it looks like I will need one trip with a lorry or a van to move my things over. Would I require permits to move my old appliances such as fridge and washing machine and TVs over? How about furniture? And finally, are there transport companies in JB specialising in this kind of moving?
Thanks in advance.

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24. Susan | August 3rd, 2011 at 9:49 PM

Dear Admin..

Thanks for the reply..
Have gotten my MACS last week..^^

Do you know where in JB can i rent a van to move my items from Singapore?Have called up few people in SG and always get a same answer: “SG’s van cannot go in to JB” after that i’ve called and asked the SG n JB custom..and according to the custom officer, SG’s van with plate start with G is allowed to enter JB??!!!!

Called up few house movers company but the quotation is really out of my budget S$550 for 10ft lorry..is it the common price?called up Jb house movers too and they charge us RM800 only for the lorry..

Appreciate your help..

Thanks

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25. Jonathan Wee | September 14th, 2011 at 3:56 AM

I am a Singapore Passport Holder currently living in Johor Bahru on a Social Visit Pass.

I leave Johor Bahru every 10 days and go back to Singapore for only a few hours. I return to Johor Bahru on the same day.

Is there a total of 180 days limit of stay in Malaysia in a year (accumulative)?

I arrived in Johor Bahru on 25 May, 2011.
I may not be allowed to enter Malaysia once my stay exceeds 180 days.
I have already rented out my 5-room HDB flat in Singapore.
I have no place to go to if I’m not allowed to enter Malaysia once I have used up the 180 days accumulated in a year.

Please advise me.

Thank you.

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26. Florence Dass | November 11th, 2011 at 10:31 AM

Can i drive my dog over fr Msia to Spore without quarantine?

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admin Reply:
December 27th, 2011 at 5:08 PM
Hi Florence, quarantine is mandatory. In addition, quarantine space is very limited and must be reserved at least 3 mths in advance.

Very strict rules apply. See the procedures here:
http://www.ava.gov.sg/AnimalsPetSector/ImportExportTransOfAnimalRelatedPrd/PetsPersonal/

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