PUTRAJAYA: The Immigration Department will be out in full force during the festive period due to the expected influx of visitors.

       With the further easing of Covid-19 restrictions, the department is expecting high traffic at entry points, mainly at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), KLIA2, and the Causeway and Second Link in Johor.

       Immigration director-general Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud said operations at the four entry points will be done around the clock.

       He said the department is expecting an increase of between 30% and 50% in travellers during the Hari Raya period, mainly from Singapore via the Causeway and Second Link.

       “The work schedule has been prepared to ensure less than 20% of staff members for each shift will be allowed to go on leave. This will ensure smooth immigration clearance for travellers at the entry points despite the heavy traffic,” he said when contacted.

       The number of department personnel stationed at the KLIA is 360 or 90 officers per shift, with 378 officers (between 80 and 90 per shift) at KLIA2. There are 1,104 personnel assigned to Bangunan Sultan Ismail which is the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex at the Causeway and 542 on duty at the Sultan Abu Bakar complex over at the Second Link.