In a world where respect and efficiency define our interactions, there are moments when our expectations collide with the reality of certain situations. Such instances can test our patience and challenge the values we hold dear.
One such scenario unfolded at the Tuas Checkpoint, capturing the attention of travellers like Abdul Qayyuum Rahim, who took to Facebook to share his and his wife’s eye-opening experience of crossing into Johor Bahru.
He recounted a tale of encountering a confluence of inconveniences and discourteous treatment from Malaysia Immigration officers.
Lengthy delays and limited counters
The Singaporean couple commuting to Johor Bahru faced frustration at the Tuas Checkpoint on 20th May 2023. With only two counters operational, they endured an hour-long ordeal at Malaysia Customs, raising concerns about efficiency and passenger experience.
Adding insult to the inconvenience, one officer allegedly demanded the couple remove their passport cover in an impolite tone, leaving them feeling disrespected and further souring their border-crossing experience.
Unexplained blanks and page repetition raise eyebrows
The couple’s exasperation deepened as they discovered irregularities in their stamped passports.
Inexplicably, a blank page was left in one passport, while the other received two stamps on consecutive pages, accompanied by hasty scribbles.
The questionable handling of travel documents left them perplexed and concerned about the preservation of their passports.
Determined to address the unpleasant encounters, Abdul Qayyuum Rahim and his wife approached the immigration office, where they claimed to have met with an unhelpful and impolite male officer.
According to his post, instead of providing guidance on filing a complaint, the officer allegedly raised his voice and directed them to address the matter online, leaving the couple feeling dismissed and disregarded.
Refusal of Entry notice issued to the couple
To their dismay, their pursuit of an explanation led them to Assistant Superintendent “Rexsus,” a female officer who allegedly issued them a”Refusal of Entry” notice.
The couple’s genuine desire for clarification was met with raised voices and an ultimatum – a ban from entering Malaysia for six months.
Similar mistreatment shared by others
Unfortunately, this couple’s experience is not an isolated incident. Abdul Qayyuum also claimed that his friend reported receiving a “Refusal of Entry” notice for simply inquiring about a peculiar stamping position.
Mixed reactions from the netizens
Commenters had varying opinions on the stamp position issues raised by Abdul Qayyuum Rahim’s post, reflecting a diverse range of perspectives and approaches to seeking a resolution.
Some argued that there was no need to complain about the stamp position, considering it a minor issue.
According to this commenter, the varying stamp position is a common practice in many countries.
On the other hand, another commenter acknowledged that Immigration has the authority to refuse entry and pointed out the absence of a specific protocol for stamping passports.
They suggested seeking assistance from Singapore immigration, the Malaysian High Commission for appeal, and contacting the Johor Menteri Besar office to address the concerns.
Contrasting the previous views, one commenter emphasized that the most crucial aspect is obtaining the stamp itself, stating that the location of the stamp should not be a matter of concern.
What do you think of this mishap? let us know in the comment section.
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