A driver of a Malaysia-registered Toyota attempted to cut in front of a Singapore-registered Subaru near Johor Bahru’s Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) complex on 22 September. After multiple unsuccessful attempts, the Toyota driver resorted to flinging liquid at the Subaru. The incident occurred around 1 pm and was shared on the “SG Road Vigilante” Facebook group on 24 September.
Background
The altercation took place on a congested road near the JB CIQ complex, a common bottleneck for vehicles travelling between Malaysia and Singapore. Traffic congestion in this area often leads to heightened tensions among drivers. The video of the incident, captured by another vehicle, highlights the challenges and frustrations faced by motorists in this busy corridor.
The incident
Footage showed the Singapore-registered Subaru Forester and Malaysia-registered Toyota Alphard driving towards Singapore. As they queued side-by-side, the Toyota driver attempted to filter in front of the Subaru, but the Subaru driver did not yield. The two cars continued to jostle for position, with the Toyota remaining slightly behind.
Threw liquid
In a different approach, the Toyota driver wound down the window and splashed what appeared to be a brown liquid against the left side of the Subaru. More liquid was flung from a bottle before the video cut out. The Toyota’s number plate indicated it was registered in Kuala Lumpur.
Reactions
Commenters on the “SG Road Vigilante” Facebook group had mixed reactions. Some commended the Subaru driver for not giving way to a “queue-cutter,” while others felt the Toyota driver should have signalled before attempting to filter right.
Traffic tensions at JB checkpoint
This incident is not isolated. The JB CIQ complex is notorious for its heavy traffic, which often leads to heated exchanges among drivers. The checkpoint is a critical juncture for many Singaporeans who travel to Johor Bahru for day trips, and the congestion can be a significant source of stress. As of 1 October 2024, vehicles can still enter JB without a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP), potentially adding to the traffic woes.
Future implications
With the ongoing traffic issues at the JB CIQ complex, authorities may need to consider additional measures to alleviate congestion and reduce road rage incidents. Improved traffic management and clearer signalling protocols could help ease the tensions that often arise in such high-pressure environments.
