JOHOR BARU: Another significant number of visitors from Singapore is expected in the state due to the long weekend in conjunction with Wesak Day, says the Johor Tourist Guides Association.
Association chairman Jimmy Leong, however, said the number of Singaporeans coming over this weekend might not reach the figure during the recent Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
“This is because during Hari Raya, it was a much longer public holiday with many Singaporeans crossing over to Johor, either to visit relatives or just for a short getaway.
“During that period, we received many walk-ins from Singaporeans, especially expatriates living and working in the island republic,” he said when contacted.
Wesak Day will be celebrated today with a replacement holiday tomorrow.
Leong, who is also Malaysia Tour Guides Association president, said that since Malaysia and Singapore reopened their borders on April 1, the tourism sector in Johor had started to recover.
“However, not all industries under the tourism sector are bouncing back, but those in retail as well as food and beverage are showing improvements,” he added.
Separately, the Singapore Immigration Checkpoint Authority issued a travel advisory for travellers using the Causeway and Second Link during the holidays.
“Traffic flow through the Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints is expected to be heavy in the lead-up to the long weekend due to the Wesak Day holiday. Departing and arrival traffic are expected to be heavy during this period. Travellers using the land checkpoints can expect delays and are advised to adjust their travel plans to avoid being caught in traffic jams,” it said in a statement.
The statement also advised travellers to check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints through the Land Transport Authority’s One Motoring website.