KUALA LUMPUR - About 50,000 travellers are expected to pass through the Rantau Panjang Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complex during the three days before and after Hari Raya Aidilfitri as workers return to Thailand for the festive season.

A Bernama survey at the checkpoint found that nearly 10 vans carrying Thai nationals from several west coast states in Peninsular Malaysia had already arrived.

Some travellers returned from Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley by bus before continuing their journey into Thailand on rented motorbikes.

Rantau Panjang ICQS Deputy Commander, Bakri Sulaiman said traffic at the border is expected to increase further in the days leading up to the celebration of Hari Raya.

He said the complex anticipates handling around 50,000 travellers during the peak period and has prepared additional measures to manage the crowd.

“It is hoped that all movements at ICQS here will run smoothly and we will open the maximum number of lanes, especially at the passport counter.

In addition, operations at ICQS have also started an hour earlier, at 6 am, to facilitate the movement of travellers,” he said.

Bakri also said border security checks have been tightened to prevent attempts to smuggle controlled goods and fuel into neighbouring countries.

He said enforcement officers have been instructed to increase inspections on vehicles, particularly those heading to Thailand.

He explained that the move follows concerns that some individuals may try to take advantage of the busy period to smuggle fuel and other restricted items.

“We warn any party that tries to take advantage, including smuggling fuel using additional tanks, not to do so if they do not want to be subject to strict action.

We will also always work closely with other enforcement agencies at the border to obtain information regarding any attempts to escape through the ICQS,” Bakri added.