New counter to process Malaysia's fast-track clearance pass in Orchard

Singaporeans can now apply for the Malaysia Automated Clearance System (MACS) pass at a new counter on the third floor of Orchard Parade Hotel.

Previously, pedestrians and motorists could only apply for the fast-track pass at counters at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints.

This has proven to be a minor inconvenience as the designated parking areas in the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (CIQ) complexes are limited, vendor Third Link said in a statement today. Moreover, first-time applicants travelling by car may not be familiar with the location, it added.

Travellers need not have their passports stamped with the MACS pass, as it is scanned upon entry and departure at Malaysian checkpoints.

There are also dedicated MACS lanes for motorists at the checkpoints, providing a faster customs clearance.

The new MACS branch counter in Singapore will process applications for all ordinary Singapore passports for $35, renewable annually. The passports must be valid for two years before expiry.

Inclusive of the $35 fee is a $15 charge levied by the Malaysian government for a successful application, which will be refunded if the application is rejected. The remaining portion of the fee is a service charge levied by Third Link, a Singapore-registered company appointed by the Malaysian government to provide immigration services. This $20 is non-refundable.

The new MACS branch counter is opened from 8.30am to 4.30pm from Monday to Friday. Applicants who submit their passports by 2pm can collect them back by 4pm the next day. Applications made after 2pm will be considered made the following day.

Non-Singaporeans or Singapore Permanent Residents who wish to apply for the MACS pass must possess a long-term visit pass or work permit with a validity of at least nine months.

Citizens from Columbia, Afghanistan, Israel, and all African countries are not eligible to apply.

huizhen@sph.com.sg