ISKANDAR PUTERI: The return of Malaysians and Singaporeans to Johor is hoped to be the first step towards the state’s economic recovery, says Johor housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor.

       He added that the majority of those entering the country are also taking advantage of the one-week toll waiver at two Singapore-Johor entry points and RM20 road charge (RC).

       “I have personally gone to the ground myself and even before midnight, more than 3,000 motorcycles were lined up about 2km from the main checkpoint here at the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine Complex (CIQ) Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) in Gelang Patah.

       “I hope their return will also be good news, especially for the small businesses in Johor and the economic spillover will be a reality for all of us,” he said when met at the location on Friday (April 1).

       He added that the majority of those returning home are those who have never been able to return home before, even after the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) was introduced.

       Mohd Jafni also said that so far, no unwanted incidents have been reported and he hopes that everything will continue to run smoothly.

       “I would like to thank the authorities, the police, the Immigration and Customs department, the Johor Baru City Council and Iskandar Puteri City Council for their efforts in making sure everything is well placed and prepared for this historic day,” he added.

       On Tuesday (March 29), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob also announced the waiver of the toll fare at both the Johor Causeway and Second Link for the same period.