Reports by NELSON BENJAMIN, VENESA DEVI, IYLIA MARSYA ISKANDAR and CHAN MAY THENG

       BANDAR PENAWAR: The number of vehicles on the Johor Causeway and the Second Link is expected to surge this weekend following the reopening of the Malaysia-Singapore land border.

       Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said this is because many travellers from the republic would take advantage of the seven-day exemption of road and toll charges.

       He also expects traffic flow to increase due to the beginning of Ramadan for Muslims and the Qing Ming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Festival) on April 5 for the Chinese community.

       “The exemption will encourage those who have not returned to Malaysia for a long time or Singaporeans who want to enter the country, to do so.

       “Also, the Chinese community may take the opportunity to visit the graves of their parents or family members,” he told reporters after the opening of the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal here yesterday.

       Wee, who is also Ayer Hitam MP, said business in Johor Baru is also expected to boom this weekend as many travellers would be shopping in preparation for Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri, besides visiting friends and relatives in the state.

       “I’m confident that tomorrow (Friday) evening, we will see an influx of vehicles from Singapore to Johor, and this will bring a very positive impact on the state’s economy,” he said.

       According to Dr Wee, all international entry points into Malaysia will be fully opened today.

       However, he said some ferry terminal operators were still making preparations, while some airlines might adjust their flight schedules due to ticket sales and other reasons.

       “What is important is that we will open our borders from April 1, and the operation of the three sectors can run as usual. Travellers (who have been fully vaccinated) also don’t have to undergo quarantine,” he said after the Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar opened the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal here yesterday.

       The Ruler was accompanied by Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj Sultan Ibrahim, as well as Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

       The ferry terminal, equipped with the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex and maritime facilities, will become Malaysia’s 16th international gateway.

       Bernama also reported Dr Wee as saying that the ferry terminal will benefit the communities in South- East Johor.

       “The Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal international gateway will connect travellers from Singapore as well as the Batam and Bintan islands in Riau, Indonesia. It will bring in economic and social benefits to communities and businesses in South-East Johor,” said the Transport Minister in a Facebook post.

       Meanwhile, the ferry operator at the terminal said that it is awaiting final approval from Singapore’s Maritime and Ports Authority before providing services to Singapore.