The government will implement an advance passenger screening system by the end of the year as part of efforts to curb illegal entries at KLIA, says home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, he said the system would initially involve 10 of the 56 airlines operating in Malaysia and enable authorities to receive passengers’ information before travellers arrive in the country.
Saifuddin added that the ministry was moving towards the full digitalisation of immigration services, particularly through the expansion of autogates at entry points nationwide, to reduce opportunities for abuse by enforcement officers.
A total of 635 autogates will be installed at 123 entry points under the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), with the first phase beginning in December at major locations including KLIA Terminals 1 and 2, Kuching International Airport, Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Penang International Airport, as well as the Sultan Iskandar Building and the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex in Johor Bahru.
Full implementation is expected by March 2028.
“The use of autogates will minimise human interaction as all entry and exit screenings will be fully digital, with no discretion required from officers,” he said.
“These gates will use biometric data – including facial recognition, iris scans, and thumbprints – to eliminate opportunities for system manipulation.”
Saifuddin also said the ministry was piloting the use of body-worn cameras for immigration officers stationed at key entry points. A proof-of-concept is currently underway at several locations, including KLIA, with plans to procure 614 body cameras next month, pending approval.
He said these initiatives were part of broader efforts to address misconduct at the country’s main points of entry, including KLIA, which has been plagued by allegations of syndicates colluding with enforcement officers to facilitate the illegal entry of travellers.
Saifuddin also said that 26 enforcement officers at KLIA were dismissed last year for their involvement in a counter-setting syndicate, in which selected individuals were allowed to pass through immigration inspection counters without undergoing proper procedures.
“These actions have damaged the reputation of agencies such as the immigration department and AKPS.
“There is no place in the home ministry for officers who lack integrity. We have zero tolerance for such misconduct,” he said.
