5-12-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Passengers at Penang International Airport found themselves caught in extensive queues while attempting to clear immigration on December 2. The situation arose as only five out of the 12 immigration counters were operational, leading to delays and overcrowding. Reports indicate that the lack of staff to manage queues exacerbated the problem, leaving travelers feeling trapped.
A reader mentioned to Sin Chew Daily that a friend endured a three-hour wait to clear immigration. Others complained of long queues at the toilets, which became unhygienic due to the increased number of travelers. The chaotic scene extended from the first to the second floor of the airport.
Why airport Penang stuck hari ni? Jalan masuk pun diorang tutup. pic.twitter.com/YebWKiAgRS
— Aj (@LAshila7) December 2, 2023
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow addressed the issue, stating that such delays could become more common unless authorities take decisive action to manage the growing volume of travelers. Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai explained that only five out of 12 counters were open between 11:40 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on December 2, affecting passengers arriving on nine international flights and those boarding eight outbound flights.
Wong notified Penang’s Immigration Department, emphasizing the need for a solution. He mentioned that similar queueing issues occurred two weeks prior, possibly due to a significant number of Immigration Department staff being on leave. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow highlighted the potential for more delays, especially with the recent announcement of Malaysia granting visa-free entry to travelers from countries like China and India.
Democratic Action Party chairman and former Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng reached out to Malaysia’s Home Minister, expressing hope for improvements in the situation. Reacting to the news, readers advised tourists departing from Penang to arrive at the airport at least two hours early to avoid missing flights, emphasizing the limited staff available for customs clearance.
The situation reportedly improved on December 3 when all immigration counters were operational for passengers, providing relief to the frustrated travelers at Penang International Airport.
